Sony Pictures Television Networks is set to acquire a 95% majority stake in US-based anime distributor Funimation Productions for about $143 million, it is reported.
Once done, the deal would value the company at $150 million. Funimation Productions was founded in 1994 to distribute various Japanese series’ to western markets.Fifty Shades Darker streaming
Funimation’s expansive catalogue includes such widely popular series’ as Dragon Ball Z, My Hero Academia, One Piece and Attack on Titan as well as movie titles like Your Name (pictured) which drew in massive audiences, grossing over $154 million worldwide.
The new deal will see content brought to Sony’s Animax platform in 23 countries including Japan.
“With the acquisition of Funimation, the combined [IP] of Animax, Kids Station and Funimation allows us to deliver the best anime to fans across all screens and platforms,” said Andy Kaplan, president of worldwide networks for Sony Pictures Television, in a statement.
In addition to physical and broadcast releases for its properties, Funimation also operates the FunimationNow streaming platform for North American English-language audiences.
