Halifax, Los Angeles, London, Toronto, Vancouver – DHX Media, a leading international producer and distributor of television programming and interactive content, has entered into an agreement to acquire Cookie Jar Entertainment to create Canada’s largest independent children’s entertainment company, bringing together globally recognised brands seen in over 160 countries.
The deal is expected to be completed in mid-October, subject to a number of conditions including the receipt of shareholder and regulatory approvals.
The combined company will significantly expand the business activities of rights exploitation and brand management across its own and third party titles. Properties will include Yo Gabba Gabba!, Rastamouse, Franny’s Feet, Animal Mechanicals, Kid vs. Kat, Angela Anaconda, Inspector Gadget, Care Bears, The Doodlebops and Johnny Test.
The deal also significantly strengthens DHX’s capabilities in the rapidly growing digital segment, and broadens its relationships with distributors including Amazon, Comcast, DISH, Hulu, Netflix, Samsung, Telmex and Vivendi.
The transaction implies an enterprise value for Cookie Jar of $111 million. DHX expects to realise cost synergies which should be achieved within the first year following the closing of the transaction.
