Sony Acquires Majority Stake in Peanuts Franchise for £340 Million
Sony has acquired an additional 41% stake in Peanuts Holdings from WildBrain, increasing its total ownership to 80%, with the Schulz family retaining the remaining 20%. The transaction, announced on 19 December 2025, is valued at approximately C$630 million (£340 million). With this deal, Sony now controls the iconic Peanuts intellectual property, including beloved characters Snoopy and Charlie Brown.
WildBrain will continue to own Peanuts but will operate under a multi-year service agreement responsible for licensing, production, and distribution of the franchise. Apple TV will remain the exclusive streaming platform for Peanuts content until 2030 and is set to produce a new animated feature film centered on Snoopy and Charlie Brown.
Originating as a comic strip by Charles Schulz in 1950, Peanuts has evolved into a global franchise encompassing television, toys, films, and theme park attractions.
