ACF advises Academy Award-winning North American Distributor GKIDS on its sale to TOHO Co., Ltd
ACF Investment Bank is pleased to announce that it has advised Academy Award-winning animation producer and distributor, GKIDS Inc. (“GKIDS”) on its 100% equity sale to Japanese entertainment leader, Toho Co. Ltd (“TOHO”).
This strategic alliance will allow GKIDS to maximize the synergies and capabilities of the larger TOHO parent group, while maintaining its distinct brand, organization, and management team, and bring more amazing films to North American and global audiences. Eric Beckman, GKIDS Founder will remain as Chief Executive Officer, and David Jesteadt will remain as President of the company.
The acquisition will also accelerate TOHO’s corporate strategy to grow and expand outside of Japan, and connect its Japanese and international productions, creators, and studios more directly and widely with creators and fans overseas.
GKIDS
GKIDS is the Academy Award®-winning producer and distributor of artist-driven and award-winning animation from around the world. After an astounding 13 Best Animated Feature nominations, the company took home the Oscar in 2024 for Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli’s acclaimed feature,The Boy and the Heron. The company’s previous nominations include The Secret of Kells in 2010, A Cat in Paris and Chico & Rita in 2012, Ernest & Celestine in 2014, The Tale of The Princess Kaguya and Song of the Sea in 2015, Boy and the World and When Marnie Was There in 2016, My Life as a Zucchini in 2017, The Breadwinner in 2018, Mirai in 2019, Wolfwalkers in 2021, and The Boy and the Heron in 2024.
For more than a decade, GKIDS’ influence on cinema has redefined the perception of animation as an artistic medium on par with live-action film through its stewardship of the Studio Ghibli catalog and by introducing American audiences to the critically-acclaimed films of other master filmmakers from around the world such as Makoto Shinkai (Weathering With You), Mamoru Hosoda (Belle), Masaaki Yuasa (Inu-Oh), Tomm Moore (Wolfwalkers), Hideaki Anno (Neon Genesis Evangelion), Nora Twomey (The Breadwinner), Satoshi Kon (Perfect Blue) and Hiroyuki Imaishi (Promare), among countless others. GKIDS is also the founder and host of ANIMATION IS FILM, the annual LA-based film festival which embraces the highest aspirations of animation as a cinematic art form and is a vocal advocate for filmmakers who push the boundaries of the medium to its fullest range of artistic expressions.
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Founder
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“TOHO, the owner and creator of Godzilla, founded in 1932, acquiring GKIDS, a fantastic US based award-winning producer and distribution business demonstrates the global reach of animation. This is a great transaction and ACF are proud to have assisted in bringing together these two power houses.”
Thomas Dey, Chief Executive Officer, ACF Investment Bank
“GKIDS’ influence on the US animation market is undeniable. Led by Eric and Dave, GKIDS built a unique and influential brand and a strong market position in the entertainment industry as a thought leader in animation and an Academy Award-winning distributor. Its strength in the North American market made GKIDS a very attractive asset and the synergies with entertainment company TOHO Co., Ltd. are a perfect match. Toho’s brands, culture, and plans for growth and expansion outside of Japan make this an incredible combination. It was a pleasure to work with the GKIDS team and support them through all stages of their transaction with TOHO.”
Richard Gray, Managing Director, ACF Investment Bank
TOHO Co. Ltd
Established in 1932, TOHO has grown its business in the motion picture, real estate and theater sectors.
Toho International, Inc., the U.S.-based subsidiary of Japan’s TOHO Co., Ltd., brings the iconic Godzilla and other popular anime properties to global audiences through a dynamic licensing, merchandising, and e-commerce business. With over 70 years of Godzilla storytelling, TOHO International’s licensing program spans toys, gaming, apparel, accessories, publishing, and more, capturing fans across generations.
By leveraging strategic partnerships, always-on streaming content, and a diverse range of licensed products, Toho International continues to grow its brands and expand its reach in the North American market.
TOHO Co Ltd acquired Japanese animation studio Science SARU (Scott Pilgrim Takes Off, DAN DA DAN) and also made an equity investment in Los Angeles-based production and distribution company Fifth Season (Severance, Tokyo Vice), formerly known as Endeavor Content.