WildBrain, the Toronto-based kids and family entertainment company, has agreed to sell its remaining 41% stake in Peanuts Holdings to Sony for CAD $630 million (approximately $457 million USD) in cash. This transaction will allow WildBrain to fully eliminate its current debt and marks the beginning of a strategic reset for the company. The deal is subject to standard closing conditions, including regulatory approvals.

Following the acquisition, Sony—through Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) and Sony Pictures Entertainment—will become the majority owner of the Peanuts intellectual property, joining the Schulz family, which retains a 20% stake. Sony previously acquired a 39% interest in Peanuts in 2018.

Despite selling its ownership stake, WildBrain will continue to play a significant role with the Peanuts brand under a multi-year services agreement. The company will remain the exclusive licensing agent for Peanuts consumer products across Europe, the Middle East, China, and Asia Pacific (excluding Japan and Australia/New Zealand). WildBrain’s studio will also continue as the exclusive producer of new Peanuts content, including a new CG animated feature announced in 2023, which is currently in production as part of an ongoing partnership with Apple TV+—recently renewed through 2030. Additionally, WildBrain will keep distributing the content it produces and managing the Snoopy YouTube channel.

The financial impact of the sale is significant. Proceeds will fully repay WildBrain’s senior secured credit facility, leaving the company with over $40 million in cash and reducing annual interest payments by approximately $50 million. CEO Josh Scherba described the sale as a move that crystallizes value and enables WildBrain to focus on wholly owned properties. The company plans to reinvest in franchises such as Strawberry Shortcake and Teletubbies, and to expand its digital presence across YouTube, FAST, and AVOD platforms. WildBrain now has the capacity to invest $50–$100 million in new or expanded growth initiatives.

WildBrain originally acquired 80% of Peanuts in 2017 as part of a $448 million deal that also included Strawberry Shortcake. With this latest sale, total proceeds and distributions from its Peanuts ownership now exceed $1 billion.

This divestment follows WildBrain’s recent decision to close its entire Canadian broadcast business—including Family Channel, Family Jr., WildBrainTV, and Télémagino—after unsuccessful carriage agreement renewals with major distributors.

For Sony, the acquisition represents another major investment in established intellectual property. As the entertainment industry continues to see strong returns from prequels, sequels, spinoffs, and adaptations, the Peanuts franchise is positioned as a long-term asset with significant potential for future growth.

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