Sony Pictures Television has acquired British kids producer Silvergate Media, the company behind global hits such as “Octonauts,” Netflix’s “Hilda” and the “Peter Rabbit” animated series, for $195 million, according to Variety. The company’s CEO Waheed Alli and Chairman William Astor will continue in their roles.
Sony has acquired 100% of Silvergate Topco Limited, whose assets include Silvergate’s 49% interest in a joint venture with Beijing-based Wanda Group, which holds the rights to “Octonauts”. Additionally, it has acquired a minority stake in Silvergate BP Bidco Limited, which produces the “Peter Rabbit” television series and will continue to be majority-owned by Waheed Alli.
“We are excited to extend our capabilities and gain valuable children’s IP to bolster our entry into the kids’ space. Silvergate gives us a great building block to expand into this genre in a meaningful way,” declared Mike Hopkins, Chairman of Sony Pictures Television.
Waheed Alli added: “We are all excited about joining SPT and the creative teams within the SPT family. 2020 will see a new and strong development slate coming to market with some exciting new series in the pipeline”.
Silvergate will be the first kids’ label in the SPT stable, which spans more than 20 production companies across 12 markets. Sony does have some kids’ TV channels in its international networks unit, including Pop and Tiny Pop in the U.K.
The company has acquired British kids producer, the company behind global hits such as “Octonauts,” Netflix’s “Hilda” and the “Peter Rabbit” animated series, for $195 million.”
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