Toho is acquiring GKIDS for an undisclosed amount, as announced earlier today. GKIDS will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Los Angeles-based Toho International but with the same leadership. Eric Beckman will remain CEO, and Dave Jesteadt will remain as President of the company. Beckman founded GKIDS in 2008 and the two have operated the company together since 2009.
Per the official press release, “Toho’s acquisition of GKIDS serves to further accelerate its “TOHO VISION 2032 TOHO Group Management Corporate Strategy,” which sets the company’s plans for growth and expansion outside of Japan, and aims to connect its Japanese and international productions, creators, and studios more directly and widely with creators and fans overseas.” Toho also recently acquired studio Science SARU.
Toho and GKIDS have worked together for many years on such hits as Makoto Shinkai’s Weathering With You, Studio TRIGGER’s Promare, Blue Giant, and most recently The Colors Within. GKIDS founders confirm that GKIDS “will continue to operate as it always has.”
“For all GKIDS’ filmmakers, content partners, distribution partners, and especially the fans, this is truly great news,” said Beckman and Jesteadt. “GKIDS will continue to operate as we always have – with the same team, the same passion, and the same mission – but now with the backing of a highly complementary and legendary parent company. We are truly thrilled to be joining forces with the esteemed and storied Toho, home to Godzilla and Akira Kurosawa, as well as blockbuster anime franchises like My Hero Academia and Jujutsu Kaisen.”
Source: GKIDS
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