Sony Acquires Majority Ownership in Peanuts for $457 Million USD
The Schulz family will maintain their 20% equity stake.
Summary
-
Sony is acquiring a 41% stake from WildBrain for $457.2 million, increasing its total ownership to 80% and making Peanuts a consolidated subsidiary
-
The Schulz family will maintain their 20% equity stake, ensuring continued familial involvement in the creative direction of the Snoopy and Charlie Brown legacy
-
WildBrain will remain the exclusive production studio for new Peanuts animation and continue to manage licensing in Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Asia
In a move that proves Snoopy is a heavyweight in the global intellectual property arena, Sony Group has officially struck a deal to become the majority owner of the Peanuts franchise. On December 18, 2025, Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) and Sony Pictures Entertainment announced a definitive agreement to acquire the 41% stake in Peanuts Holdings LLC currently held by the Canadian media firm WildBrain. The transaction, valued at $457.2 million USD ($630 million CAD), effectively hands control of the world’s most famous beagle to the Japanese conglomerate.
This isn’t Sony’s first time visiting the neighborhood; the company has held a 39% minority stake since 2018. Upon completion of this latest acquisition, Sony will command an 80% equity interest, allowing them to consolidate the brand as a core subsidiary. The remaining 20% will stay with the family of creator Charles M. Schulz, ensuring that the legacy of Charlie Brown, Lucy, and Linus remains rooted in its original stewardship.
For Sony, the acquisition is a strategic goldmine. By integrating the Peanuts gang across its massive ecosystem—including films, music, gaming, and consumer products—Sony aims to elevate the 75-year-old brand to new heights. While WildBrain divests its ownership to clear debt, it will remain a key partner, acting as a licensing agent in select territories and continuing as the exclusive production studio for new animated content. As Peanuts enters this new era under Sony’s umbrella, fans can expect an aggressive push into digital platforms and global theatrical experiences.
