Sony’s Funimation Global Group Finalizes Acquisition of Crunchyroll for $1.175 billion

Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. (SPE) and AT&T Inc.* (NYSE:T) announced that the finalization of the sale of Crunchyroll anime business to Funimation Global Group, LLC. Funimation for $1.175 billion.

“We are very excited to welcome Crunchyroll to the Sony Group,” said Kenichiro Yoshida, Chairman, President and CEO, Sony Group Corporation. “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. We look forward to delivering even more outstanding entertainment that fills the world with emotion through anime.”

“Crunchyroll adds tremendous value to Sony’s existing anime businesses, including Funimation and our terrific partners at Aniplex and Sony Music Entertainment Japan,” said 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. 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.”

The agreed purchase was for $1.175 Billion. Crunchyroll serves 120 million registered users across 200 countries. The company publishes mobile games, manga, holds events, and handles the distribution of anime licenses. The combination of Crunchyroll and Funimation aims to “broaden distribution for their content partners and expand fan-centric offering for consumers.”