Japan's Toho buys Ghibli animation distributor GKIDS to further overseas growth
Toho Co, the Japanese creator of the Godzilla movie franchise, will acquire the U.S. distributor of Studio Ghibli's famed animated films, it said on Wednesday, to help drive overseas expansion. The acquisition comes amid a surge in global popularity for Japanese entertainment, and fits with Toho's multi-year growth strategy centred on animation and overseas markets.
"We are truly thrilled to be joining forces with the esteemed and storied Toho," GKIDS, which has distributed 13 animated films nominated for Oscars, said in a statement, citing founder Eric Beckman and president Dave Jesteadt.
GKIDS manages the film catalogue of Ghibli, the studio of renowned Japanese director Hayao Miyazaki, in North America. In March, it inked a deal with Warner Bros. Discovery to extend the U.S. streaming rights to Ghibli films.
Published - October 16, 2024 01:38 pm IST
)
)
)
)
)
