16/10/2024

Japanese giant Toho acquires American distributor GKIDS

After purchasing the Japanese animation studio Science Saru, the film giant company Toho also buys the American distributor GKIDS.

Japanese distributor and producer Toho announced today that it has acquired 100% of the shares of American distributor GKIDS.

With offices in New York City and Los Angeles, GKIDS was founded in 2008 by Eric Beckman, the company's current CEO, and Dave Jesteadt, the company's current president. The two will continue in their current roles under the new ownership.

The American label's activity began in 2009 by bringing the Irish feature film The Secret of Kells to the theaters in the States in 2009. Over the years it has conquered more and more market shares by distributing works such as Makoto Shinkai's Weathering With You, Studio Trigger's Promare up to the latest The Boy and the Heron by Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli.

The acquisition is part of the "Toho Vision 2032 Toho Group Management Corporate Strategy" following the acquisition of Science Saru last spring [news] to "connect its Japanese and international productions, creators and studios more directly and broadly with creators and fans abroad".

Toho president and CEO Hiro Matsuoka said in a statement, "Through their hard work, vision, and integrity, GKIDS has built a unique position in the U.S. market, which dovetails perfectly with Toho’s own strengths and strategic mission. This partnership accelerates Toho’s goals to prioritize animation, develop international markets, and support IP creation, while bringing exceptional Japanese and animated content to global audiences".

[ Fra - source CartoonBrew ]

Read the full article..