The anthropomorphic female pig, Peppa got her own television series name Peppa Pig and was created, directed and produced by Astley Baker Davies and was distributed by Entertainment One. Since 2007, the companies have co-owned the franchise, distributed globally by eOne. Till date eOne and the Astley Baker Davis had a 50-50 share but Entertainment One recently announced it has acquired a 70 per cent stake in Peppa Pig producer Astley Baker Davies worth $212 million. The buy-out will be funded through a four-for-nine rights issue to raise $293.3 million, with the balance used to pay off debt.
“eOne has entered into an agreement with Peppa Pig co-owners Astley Baker Davies to purchase a controlling stake in the global brand,” it said on Wednesday. “As part of the deal, creators, directors and producers Mark Baker, Neville Astley and Phil Davies are producing an additional 52 magical episodes of Peppa Pig.”
The planned acquisition will increase its interest in the related share of earnings from the exploitation of Peppa Pig from 50 percent to 85 percent, and Astley Baker Davies will become a subsidiary of the company, meaning its financials will be fully consolidated, Entertainment one said.
“As we continue to expand in the U.S., Asia and throughout our existing markets, we are excited to enter into new markets and take Peppa to new heights”, said Entertainment One president and CEO Darren Throop.
Over 200 episodes of Peppa Pig have been produced with the show aired in over 180 territories, including Nickelodeon JR in the U.S.