Sony increases stake in Peanuts Holdings

Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc. and Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. have signed a definitive agreement to indirectly acquire the approximately 41 percent stake in Peanuts Holdings LLC currently held by WildBrain Ltd.. The transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals.

Following completion, Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) and Sony Pictures Entertainment, together with Sony Music Entertainment (Japan)’s existing approximately 39 percent holding, will indirectly control 80 percent of Peanuts Holdings LLC. The family of Charles M. Schulz will retain the remaining 20 percent stake.

Peanuts to become Sony Group subsidiary

Peanuts Holdings LLC, including its wholly owned subsidiary Peanuts Worldwide LLC, will become a consolidated subsidiary of the Sony Group. Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) will lead management of Peanuts Holdings in partnership with Sony Pictures Entertainment.

The Peanuts franchise, which includes characters such as Charlie Brown and Snoopy, has been part of Sony Music Entertainment (Japan)’s portfolio since 2018. The company has focused on expanding the intellectual property business and strengthening global brand positioning while maintaining ties with the Schulz family.

Shunsuke Muramatsu, President and Group CEO, Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc.: "Since 2018, SMEJ has been proud to be part of the partnership behind ‘PEANUTS’, an iconic global entertainment brand with a 75-year legacy of delighting audiences worldwide. 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. 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."

Partnership to continue with WildBrain

Ravi Ahuja, President and CEO, Sony Pictures Entertainment: "‘PEANUTS’ is enduring and iconic. We value the deep collaboration we have with our SMEJ colleagues and look forward to building on 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."

Josh Scherba, President and CEO, WildBrain: "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. 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’."

The agreement deepens Sony’s involvement in the Peanuts franchise, consolidating control under the Sony Group while maintaining the Schulz family’s minority stake.

www.sony.com

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