GKIDS announced that TOHO, a Japanese entertainment company, has reached an agreement to acquire 100% of GKIDS. While the terms of the deal were not disclosed, GKIDS, with offices in New York and Los Angeles, will become a fully-owned subsidiary of TOHO International, headquartered in Los Angeles.
TOHO‘s “TOHO VISION 2032 TOHO Group Management Corporate Strategy” focuses on global expansion, aiming to strengthen connections between its Japanese and international productions. Through a new acquisition, TOHO gains a North American distribution and marketing company, complementing its existing licensing and merchandising operations. GKIDS will benefit from TOHO‘s resources while retaining its current management team.
TOHO President and CEO Hiro Matsuoka commented:
“Through their hard work, vision, and integrity, GKIDS has built a unique position in the US market, which dovetails perfectly with TOHO’s own strengths and strategic mission. This partnership accelerates TOHO’s goals to prioritize animation, develop international markets, and support IP creation, while bringing exceptional Japanese and animated content to global audiences. We are honored to be working together with Eric, Dave and the entire GKIDS team and welcoming them into the TOHO family.”
Eric Beckman, Founder and CEO of GKIDS, along with Dave Jesteadt, the company’s President, shared their thoughts on the acquisition:
“For all GKIDS’ filmmakers, content partners, distribution partners, and especially the fans, this is truly great news,” said Beckman and Jesteadt. “GKIDS will continue to operate as we always have – with the same team, the same passion, and the same mission – but now with the backing of a highly complementary and legendary parent company. We are truly thrilled to be joining forces with the esteemed and storied Toho, home to Godzilla and Akira Kurosawa, as well as blockbuster anime franchises like My Hero Academia and Jujutsu Kaisen. This partnership will empower us to bring even more amazing films to North American and global audiences, while we continue to champion animation as a cinematic artform and push the limits of what the medium is capable of. We could not be more excited about the opportunities in front of us. The best is yet to come.”“
Nomura Securities Co., Ltd. acted as exclusive financial advisor to Toho, and Nishimura & Asahi (Gaikokuho Kyodo Jigyo) acting as legal advisor. ACF Investment Bank acted as exclusive financial advisor to GKIDS with Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP acting as legal advisor.
Source: GKIDS
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