The Japanese entertainment giant Toho has reached an agreement to acquire the , the companies said Tuesday.
The deal gives Toho an established North American distributor and sales operation in GKIDS, which has become a force in animation since its founding in 2008. As producer and distributor of artist-driven animation, GKIDS has brought acclaimed films like 鈥淪ong of the Sea,鈥� 鈥淭he Breadwinner鈥� and 鈥淲olfwalkers鈥� to North American audiences and operated as the domestic stewards of the
After 13 best animated feature Oscar nominations, GKIDS earlier this year for
Toho, meanwhile, is home to internationally recognized brands, from Godzilla to popular anime franchises like 鈥淢y Hero Academia鈥� and 鈥淛ujutsu Kaisen.鈥� The company is hoping to grow and expand outside of Japan and had already worked with GKIDS for years, on releases like 鈥淲eathering With You鈥� and 鈥淪pirited Away: Live on Stage.鈥�
Toho president and CEO Hiro Matsuoka said in a statement that GKIDS鈥� unique position in the U.S. market, 鈥渄ovetails perfectly with Toho鈥檚 own strengths and strategic mission. This partnership accelerates Toho鈥檚 goals to prioritize animation, develop international markets, and support IP creation, while bringing exceptional Japanese and animated content to global audiences.鈥�
GKIDS founder Eric Beckman will remain CEO, and Dave Jesteadt will stay president. Both said that the company will continue to operate as they have, 鈥渂ut now with the backing of a highly complementary and legendary parent company.鈥�
The financial terms were not disclosed.
Lindsey Bahr, The Associated Press
