Sony Acquires Majority Stake in ‘Peanuts’ Franchise in Multi-Million Dollar Deal

 

Sony will own 80 percent of the beloved Charles M. Schulz comic featuring Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the rest of the ‘Peanuts’ gang.

The classic Charles M. Schulz comic “Peanuts” and its beloved characters have found a new home after Sony agreed to acquire a majority stake in the franchise.

On Dec. 19, Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) announced they reached a $457 million agreement with WildBrain, Canada’s leading family entertainment company, for their 41 percent stake in Peanuts Holdings LLC.

“‘PEANUTS’ is enduring and iconic,” said President and CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment Ravi Ahuja in a statement. “We value the deep collaboration we have with our SMEJ colleagues and look forward to buildingon their meaningful partnership with WildBrain and the Schulz family.”

“With our combined strengths, we have the unique capability and extraordinary opportunity to protect and shape the future of these beloved characters for generations to come.”

The deal will add to Sony’s existing 39 percent stake, which was completed back in 2018, while members of the Schulz family will retain 20 percent ownership.

“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,” said President and Group CEO for Sony Music Entertainment in Japan Shunsuke Muramatsu. “We are deeply committed to carrying forward the legacy of Charles Schulz and the Schulz family.”

“Together with SPE, and backed by WildBrain’s continued partnership, we will continue to embrace new opportunities to ensure that ‘PEANUTS’ remains a relevant and beloved presence across generations—reaching new audiences and sharing the timeless charm of the ‘PEANUTS’ gang for years ahead,” Muramatsu said.

First introduced on Oct. 2, 1950, “Peanuts” evolved into a global phenomenon showcasing the adventures of characters Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the rest of the crew across newspapers, animated films, television specials, and consumer products.

“Sony has been an excellent partner on the ‘PEANUTS’ brand for many years, and we’re confident that Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the gang are in good hands with them,” said President and CEO of WildBrain Josh Scherba.

“We’d like to thank the Peanuts Worldwide team, as well as the Schulz family, for their incredible collaboration, and we look forward to working with them and Sony going forward to continue driving global success for ‘PEANUTS.’”

Under the terms of the agreement, Peanuts Holdings LLC, which is responsible for the “Peanuts” business, will remain in control of management and administrative responsibilities worldwide.

In a 2020 rights deal with WildBrain, Apple TV+ became home to the “Peanuts” programming library and in October extended their partnership to retain exclusivity on the streaming service until 2030.