© Toho, GKIDS
North American animation distributor GKIDS Japan Entertainment announced on Tuesday That An agreement has been reached to acquire 100% GKIDS The amount was undisclosed. GKIDSwith offices in New York and Los Angeles, will be Dongbao Internationalheadquartered in Los Angeles.
That Aims to develop and expand outside of Japan, connecting its Japanese and international works more directly with overseas creators and fans through its “That Vision 2032 That Group management corporate strategy. That Adds a North American theatrical and home entertainment distribution, marketing and sales company to complement Dongbao Internationallicensing, sales and e-commerce businesses. GKIDS Synergies and capabilities with larger companies can then be leveraged That parent group, while retaining its management team.
GKIDS Founder Eric Beckman will continue to serve as Chief Executive Officer, and Dave Jested will continue to serve as president. They said about the acquisition:
“For everyone GKIDSThis is great news indeed for filmmakers, content partners, distribution partners, and especially fans. GKIDS We will continue to operate as we always have – with the same team, the same passion and the same mission – but now with the support of a highly complementary and storied parent company. We are extremely excited to join forces with a respected legend Thatthe home of Godzilla and Akira Kurosawaas well as popular anime series such as my hero academia and Jujutsu Kaisen. This partnership will allow us to bring more great films to North American and global audiences as we continue to support animation as a cinematic art form and push the limits of what the medium is capable of. We are extremely excited about the opportunity ahead of us. The best is yet to come.
That President and CEO Hiroshi Matsuoka pointed out:
“Through their hard work, vision and integrity, GKIDS Established a unique position in the US market, which is consistent with Thatown advantages and strategic mission. This cooperation has accelerated ThatIts goal is to prioritize animation, develop international markets and support IP creation, while bringing superior Japanese and animation content to global audiences. We are honored to work with Eric, Dave and the entire team GKIDS team and welcome them to join That family.
Nomura Securities Co., Ltd. serves as exclusive financial advisor That. Nishimura Asahi Law Firm (Gaikokuho Kyodo Jigyo) serves as its legal counsel. At the same time, ACF Investment Bank serves as the exclusive financial advisor GKIDS Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP served as legal counsel.
That and GKIDS They have collaborated on many films, including Xin Haichengof Weathering with You and studio triggerof Promare. That Is a domestic dealer for multiple properties in Japan GKIDS North American handles, including Studio Ghibli Movie.
That Acquired all shares of animation studio science saru On June 19, it was incorporated into the consolidated subsidiary. Through this acquisition, That It aims to enhance high-quality animation production capabilities and accelerate the growth of animation business. That Acquisition of controlling stake in TIA (That Interactive Animation) studio was established in 2022 and became a subsidiary under a new name toho animation studio.
GKIDS is the distributor of many anime films in North America, including Studio Ghibli, Xin Haichengand Hosoda Mamoru. The company also released review go through chainsaw man creator Tatsuki Fujimoto, first slam dunk, Neon Genesis Evangelion: 3.0+1.01: three times (Evangelion the Movie:||) and previous films, big blueand studio triggerof Proma. The company will screen science saru and Naoko Yamadaof inner color (Your color) animated feature films, and Xinying Animation and french Meiyu Production Company‘ ghost cat anzu The 2D animated film will be released in North American theaters in winter 2024. GKIDS Also holds theatrical, video and digital rights to the show He Dahe TV animation adaptation.
Source: GKIDS
