Sony has confirmed it officially acquired anime giant Crunchyroll from AT&T in a deal worth almost $1.2 billion.
According the official site of Sony Funimation, the pact, which was announced in December and finalized Monday, brings the 15-year-old Crunchyroll under the same roof as Sony’s own anime division, Funimation. The former competitors will be combined, but details regarding exactly how have not yet been disclosed to the public. According to the Comingsoon.net, AT&T is expected to use the proceeds from the deal to reduce its debt.
“We are very excited to welcome Crunchyroll to the Sony Group,” Kenichiro Yoshida — chairman, president and CEO of Sony Group –said in Sony Funimation official site. “Anime is a rapidly growing medium that enthralls and inspires emotion among audiences around the globe. The alignment of Crunchyroll and Funimation will enable us to get even closer to the creators and fans who are the heart of the anime community.”
“Crunchyroll adds tremendous value to Sony’s existing anime businesses, including Funimation and our terrific partners at Aniplex and Sony Music Entertainment Japan,” added Tony Vinciquerra, chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc.
“With Crunchyroll and Funimation, we are committed to creating the ultimate anime experience for fans and presenting a unique opportunity for our key partners, publishers, and the immensely talented creators to continue to deliver their masterful content to audiences around the world,” Vinciquerra said. “With the addition of Crunchyroll, we have an unprecedented opportunity to serve anime fans like never before and deliver the anime experience across any platform they choose, from theatrical, events, home entertainment, games, streaming, linear TV — everywhere and every way fans want to experience their anime. Our goal is to create a unified anime subscription experience as soon as possible.”
Among Crunchyroll’s productions are In/Spectre, Tower of God, The God of High School and Tonikawa: Over the Moon For You. Funimation shows include Dragon Ball, My Hero Academia and Cowboy Bebop.