Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) has acted as the primary buyer in a massive $457 million deal to acquire a majority stake in the ‘Peanuts’ comic franchise from Canada’s WildBrain. The transaction increases Sony’s ownership to 54%, while WildBrain retains 21% and the Schulz family holds 25%. This acquisition centralizes the global media supply chain for Charlie Brown and Snoopy, positioning Sony to lead the brand’s expansion across licensing and entertainment platforms.

The deal includes rights to the entire library of ‘Peanuts’ content and future productions, which have seen a resurgence through high-profile streaming deals with platforms like Apple TV+. WildBrain will continue to serve as the studio house for new animated content, while Sony leverages its global marketing infrastructure to scale the IP. This strategic move follows Sony’s long-term goal of securing evergreen intellectual property with significant merchandise and publishing revenue.

Finalized in late December 2025, the acquisition marks a shift in how the ‘Peanuts’ gang is distributed internationally. The agreement ensures that the legacy of Charles M. Schulz remains a top-tier asset in the global entertainment market. Sony plans to integrate the characters into new digital and immersive experiences beginning in 2026, targeting a multi-generational audience. (Japan)