Iconic Peanuts IP Acquired by Major Hollywood Studio in $457 Million Deal

Sony just made a sizable bet on nostalgia as it has reached a deal worth approximately $457 million to acquire majority ownership of Charles M. Schulz’s Peanuts franchise, bringing the iconic characters under its control.

Sony buys majority stake in Peanuts brand

Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement with Canadian media company WildBrain to acquire its entire 41% stake in Peanuts Holdings LLC. The company will pay CAN $630 million for the stake, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.

Following the deal, Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) and Sony Pictures Entertainment, together with SMEJ’s existing approximately 39% stake, will indirectly own 80% of Peanuts Holdings LLC.

The remaining 20% stake will continue to be held by members of the family of Peanuts creator Charles M. Schulz. The ownership of Peanuts’ rights and business operations will remain under Peanuts Worldwide. Peanuts Holdings LLC owns the company as a wholly owned subsidiary.

As a result of Sony’s increased ownership, Peanuts Holdings LLC, including Peanuts Worldwide, will become a consolidated subsidiary of the Sony Group. SMEJ will take the lead in managing the company in partnership with Sony Pictures Entertainment.

“Since 2018, SMEJ has been proud to be part of the partnership behind Peanuts,” said Shunsuke Muramatsu, president and group CEO of Sony Music Entertainment (Japan), in a statement.

“With this additional ownership stake, we are thrilled to be able to further elevate the value of the ‘Peanuts’ brand by drawing on the Sony Group’s extensive global network and collective expertise,” he added.

Sony Pictures Entertainment president and CEO Ravi Ahuja described the franchise as “enduring and iconic.” He further added that Sony looks forward to building on its partnership with WildBrain and “the Schulz family” to shape the future of Peanuts (via Variety).

Created by Charles M. Schulz and first published in 1950, Peanuts has grown into a global franchise. After all, it spans across television, digital platforms, consumer products, and live experiences worldwide.

Source: Comingsoon.net