Acquisition · Media / Animation
Toho buys GKIDS, the North American distributor behind Studio Ghibli's US releases
- Buyer
- Toho (Tokyo)
- Target
- GKIDS, New York
- Value
- Status
- Completed. Toho now lists GKIDS as a wholly owned consolidated subsidiary.
- Date
- 2024-10-15
Toho agreed, through its unit Toho International, to acquire 100% of New York-based GKIDS, which produces and distributes animated films in North America, including Studio Ghibli titles. Financial terms were not disclosed. GKIDS founder Eric Beckman and president Dave Jesteadt stayed on to run the company.
Why it matters
The deal gives Toho its own distribution channel in the largest overseas market for Japanese anime, letting it capture more of the value from its films and those of partners abroad.
About GKIDS
GKIDS releases animated films from Japan and other countries in North American theaters and on home video, and handles their marketing and sales. Thirteen of its films have been nominated for the Academy Award for best animated feature, and in March 2024 it won for the first time with Studio Ghibli's The Boy and the Heron.
Toho's aim
Toho's business rests on four pillars: film, animation, theater and real estate. It wants to grow overseas, where it sees the most room to expand, and to work more closely with GKIDS in bringing Japanese content to North American audiences.
Sources
Kakehashi M&A News home
