Sony Group Corporation announced that its subsidiaries Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) and Sony Pictures Entertainment will acquire WildBrain’s 41% stake in Peanuts Holdings LLC for $457.2 million (CAN$630 million). The deal will raise Sony’s ownership of the iconic Peanuts brand to 80%, while the Schulz family will retain a 20% stake.
The acquisition gives Sony unprecedented control over licensing, content production and distribution rights for the Peanuts franchise. By integrating the brand into its global entertainment network, Sony can accelerate cross‑media projects across film, television, streaming, music, gaming and consumer products, turning a beloved comic strip into a multi‑platform powerhouse.
WildBrain’s decision to sell its stake is driven by a desire to eliminate all of its debt and free up more than $40 million in cash surplus. The proceeds will also allow the company to reinvest in its owned IP portfolio—such as Strawberry Shortcake, Teletubbies and Degrassi—while maintaining a partnership with Sony for licensing, production and distribution. WildBrain will remain the exclusive licensing agent in certain territories and the exclusive production studio for new Peanuts content, including a feature‑film project with Apple TV that has been renewed through 2030.
For Sony, the transaction marks a strategic pivot toward consolidating high‑value IPs within its diversified ecosystem. The company’s CEO, Shunsuke Muramatsu, emphasized that the move will “further elevate the value of the ‘Peanuts’ brand by drawing on the Sony Group’s extensive global network and collective expertise.” The deal also positions Sony to capture synergies across its music, film, gaming and electronics businesses, creating new revenue streams and strengthening its competitive moat.
Josh Scherba, President and CEO of WildBrain, noted that the sale “crystallizes the brand’s value, eliminating our debt and providing capital flexibility to reinvest in high‑growth, high‑margin opportunities, especially for IP that we own outright.” The continued partnership ensures that WildBrain will continue to generate licensing revenue while focusing on its core franchises.
The transaction is expected to close after regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions are met, and it represents a significant expansion of Sony’s entertainment portfolio while providing WildBrain with a clean balance sheet and a clearer focus on its owned IPs.
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