Sony Music Entertainment Japan and Sony Pictures Entertainment have agreed to buy WildBrain's 41% stake in Peanuts Holdings LLC, the company behind the iconic Peanuts franchise, for CAN$630 million, or about $457 million USD. This will give Sony 80% ownership, while the Schulz family retains 20%. The deal ensures continued collaboration with WildBrain and Apple TV for future content.
Sony's acquisition of a controlling interest in the Peanuts franchise marks a significant expansion for the Japanese entertainment giant in the character licensing and media space. The agreement, announced on December 19, 2025, involves Sony Music Entertainment Japan (SMEJ) and Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) purchasing WildBrain's 41% stake in Peanuts Holdings LLC. Sony already held approximately 39% since 2018, bringing its total to 80% upon completion, subject to regulatory approvals. The Schulz family, heirs to creator Charles M. Schulz, will maintain their 20% stake.
Peanuts, featuring characters like Charlie Brown and Snoopy, debuted as a comic strip on October 2, 1950, and has since become a global cultural phenomenon through TV specials, consumer products, and digital media. Rights management will continue via Peanuts Worldwide, a subsidiary of Peanuts Holdings, now becoming a consolidated part of the Sony Group. SMEJ will lead management in partnership with SPE.
Shunsuke Muramatsu, president and group CEO of SMEJ, stated, “Since 2018, SMEJ has been proud to be part of the partnership behind ‘Peanuts’, an iconic global entertainment brand with a 75-year legacy of delighting audiences worldwide. With this additional ownership stake, we are thrilled to be able to further elevate the value of the ‘Peanuts’ brand by drawing on the Sony Group’s extensive global network and collective expertise.”
Ravi Ahuja, SPE president and CEO, added, “‘Peanuts’ is enduring and iconic. We value the deep collaboration we have with our SMEJ colleagues and look forward to building on their meaningful partnership with WildBrain and the Schulz family.”
WildBrain, which acquired majority rights in 2017 for $345 million from Iconix Brand Group, will use the proceeds to eliminate its debt and invest in franchises like Strawberry Shortcake and Teletubbies, as well as its digital content network. The company retains key roles: exclusive licensing agent for consumer products in Europe, the Middle East, China, and Asia Pacific (excluding Japan, Australia, and New Zealand); production studio for new Peanuts content under a partnership with Apple TV renewed through 2030; and distributor of its Peanuts productions, including management of the Snoopy YouTube channel.
Apple TV+ has been the streaming home for Peanuts since a 2020 deal, extended in October 2025 for five years. This includes new series, specials, and an animated feature film announced in late 2023, directed by Steve Martino, who helmed the 2015 film The Peanuts Movie.
Josh Scherba, WildBrain president and CEO, commented, “Sony has been an excellent partner on the ‘Peanuts’ brand for many years, and we’re confident that Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the gang are in good hands with them.” The transaction underscores Sony's commitment to preserving and growing the franchise's legacy across generations.