Sony expands ownership of classic ‘Peanuts’ brand

Sony is set to take majority control of the Peanuts franchise in a deal valued at approximately $457 million, strengthening its hold over one of the most recognizable brands in global entertainment.

Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) have agreed to acquire Canadian media company WildBrain’s 41% stake in Peanuts Holdings LLC for C$630 million, subject to regulatory approvals.

Combined with Sony Music Entertainment Japan’s existing 39% ownership, the transaction will give Sony an 80% controlling interest in the company behind Charlie Brown and Snoopy.

The remaining 20% stake will stay with members of Peanuts creator Charles M. Schulz’s family. Peanuts Worldwide will continue to manage the franchise’s rights and operations as a wholly owned subsidiary of Peanuts Holdings.

Following the deal, Peanuts Holdings will become a consolidated subsidiary of the Sony Group, with Sony Music Entertainment Japan leading management in partnership with Sony Pictures Entertainment.

Sony executives said the expanded ownership will allow the company to grow the brand while protecting its legacy. Peanuts first debuted as a comic strip in 1950 and has since evolved into a global franchise spanning television specials, streaming content, feature films, consumer products and live attractions.

For WildBrain, the sale will eliminate all of its debt and provide flexibility to invest in other key brands, including Strawberry Shortcake and Teletubbies, as well as digital platforms across YouTube and streaming services.

WildBrain will remain a long-term partner to Peanuts, continuing to distribute content, manage the Snoopy YouTube channel, handle licensing across multiple territories and produce new content, including an animated feature film under Apple TV’s partnership with the brand, recently extended through 2030.