Sony is paying about $460 million to buy Peanuts [PDF] and its characters, including Snoopy and Charlie Brown, created by Charles M. Schulz. This is the 41 percent stake that Sony is buying from Canadian firm WildBrain. Since Sony had purchased 39 percent of the franchise in 2018, this will give the company an 80 percent stake. The deal is still subject to regulatory approval, but Peanuts will become a consolidated subsidiary of Sony once it closes. Schultz’s family still owns the remaining 20 percent stake in the franchise.
Schultz launched the Peanuts universe in comic strips 75 years ago, in 1950. The franchise has since grown extensively, including an animated series, cartoon musicals, and films that have made Snoopy a household name. The company said it has focused on expanding the Peanuts IP since it purchased 39 percent of the brand several years ago. “With this additional ownership stake, we are thrilled to be able to further enhance the value of the ‘Peanuts’ brand by leveraging Sony Group’s extensive global network and collective expertise,” said Shunsuke Muramatsu, CEO of Sony Music Entertainment Japan.
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