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Sony Acquires Majority Stake in Peanuts Holdings LLC with WildBrain Partnership

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The Business Honor: Sony Buys Peanuts Stake Deal!!

Business Honor
19 December, 2025

Sony and WildBrain unite to enhance and secure the future of the iconic Peanuts franchise for generations.

Sony Music Entertainment Japan and Sony Pictures Entertainment have reached a definitive business agreement for an indirect acquisition of approximately 41 percent of Peanuts Holdings LLC, from WildBrain. Once the transaction is successfully completed, Sony Music Japan and Sony Pictures will collectively control 80 percent of the Peanuts Brand, with 20 percent still under the ownership of the Schulz family (descendants of Charles M. Schulz). The execution of the agreement is subject to the satisfaction of specific requirements that must be completed prior to the closing of the transaction including obtaining any necessary regulatory approvals. Ravi Ahuja, the President and CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment has publicly stated the value of the Peanuts brand by saying that "'PEANUTS' is Timeless, innovative and Iconic," and he is looking forward to partnering with WildBrain and the Schulz family for the purpose of continuing to develop these cherished Characters for generations.

The CEO and President of WildBrain, Josh Scherba, indicates his view of this collaboration with Sony positively, stating that Sony have been a friend to the Peanuts franchise for many years and have helped to grow it. He expresses his appreciation to both the Peanuts Worldwide group and to the Schultz family for their never ending support and looks forward to working together with both groups to develop even larger scale success for the Peanuts franchise around the world.

The objective of acquiring the Peanuts rights from Peanuts Worldwide is twofold that is to maintain the legacy of Schulz's characters and to provide new opportunities for growth and innovation through storytelling. As the industry continues to evolve, the collaboration between Sony, Sony Pictures Entertainment and WildBrain represents a commitment to both; preserving the historical importance of the Peanuts brand, and adapting it for the modern-day audience's tastes and interests. Once all of the required closing conditions have been met, the actual closing date will be determined.