Peanuts franchise: Sony takes over majority stake in Snoopy and Charlie Brown

The Japanese Sony Group, which includes Sony Music Entertainment and Sony Pictures Entertainment, among others, has reached an “definitive agreement” with Canadian media company WildBrain to indirectly acquire all of WildBrain's 41 percent stake in “Peanuts” Holdings. Sony Music Entertainment already held 39 percent. This will give Sony a majority stake in Charles M. Schulz's popular “Peanuts” franchise, featuring Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and others. 20 percent will remain with Charles M. Schulz's family.

390 million euros for “Peanuts”

As Sony states in the announcement, the group is paying 630 million Canadian dollars (approx. 390 million euros) for the acquisition, “subject to customary adjustments for working capital and other items.” Upon completion of the transaction, the Sony Group will indirectly hold 80 percent of the shares in “Peanuts,” along with its existing stake. “Peanuts” will thus become “a consolidated subsidiary of Sony.” Sony will fully control the franchise, provided regulatory authorities give the green light.

“Since 2018, SMEJ (Sony Music Entertainment Japan) has been a proud partner of 'Peanuts,' a legendary global entertainment brand that has delighted audiences worldwide for 75 years,” explained Shunsuke Muramatsu, President and Group CEO of Sony Music Entertainment (Japan), in a statement. “With this additional investment, we are excited to further enhance the value of the 'Peanuts' brand by leveraging the extensive global network and collective expertise of the Sony Group.”

75 years of “Peanuts”

Muramatsu continued: “We are deeply committed to carrying forward the legacy of Charles Schulz and the Schulz family. Together with SPE (Sony Pictures Entertainment) and supported by the continued partnership with WildBrain, we will continue to explore new opportunities to ensure that 'Peanuts' remains a relevant and beloved presence for generations to come – by reaching new audiences and passing on the timeless charm of the 'Peanuts' gang in the years ahead.”

The new majority owner has not communicated specific plans for the “Peanuts” franchise. It is only stated that Sony intends to “continue to leverage its character business expertise and the extensive network of the Sony Group to further drive the growth of the 'Peanuts' IP business (IP: intellectual property) and increase brand value.” The “Peanuts” franchise is also celebrating its 75th anniversary this year.

Comparing the acquisition of the “Peanuts” stake with the purchase of “Halo” game developer Bungie in 2022, for which Sony paid about 3.7 billion US dollars (just under 3.2 billion euros), the 390 million euros are almost “peanuts.”

(afl)