Sony Collars Snoopy: Tech Giant Takes Majority Control of Peanuts in $457M Deal

December 20, 2025 — In a move that marks a new era for one of the world’s most beloved comic franchises, Sony Group Corporation has officially signed a definitive agreement to acquire a majority stake in Peanuts Holdings LLC.

The deal, valued at approximately $457 million USD (C$630 million), will see Sony buy the remaining 41% stake held by the Canadian media firm WildBrain Ltd. This transaction brings Sony’s total ownership to 80%, effectively making Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the rest of the gang part of the Sony family.

A Strategic Ownership Shift

Sony is no stranger to the Peanuts universe. The company first acquired a 39% stake in the brand back in 2018. By consolidating its control today, Sony aims to transform the 75-year-old franchise into a cornerstone of its global entertainment ecosystem.

The ownership breakdown following the deal is as follows:

• Sony (SMEJ & SPE): 80%
• Schulz Family: 20% (Retained by the heirs of creator Charles M. Schulz)

“Peanuts is enduring and iconic,” said Ravi Ahuja, President and CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment. “With our combined strengths, we have the extraordinary opportunity to protect and shape the future of these beloved characters for generations to come.”

What This Means for Fans

For fans of the “little round-headed kid” and his imaginative beagle, the deal signals a massive content push. Sony plans to leverage its expertise in music, movies, and gaming to expand the Peanuts brand.

Key areas of focus include:

1. New Feature Films: Sony Pictures Animation is expected to lead the development of new theatrical and streaming movies.
2. Streaming Partnerships: While WildBrain will continue to produce content for Apple TV+ through 2030, Sony will likely explore new global distribution avenues.
3. Gaming & Immersive Experiences: Fans can expect Snoopy to appear in more interactive formats, potentially including PlayStation titles and mobile games.

A Win-Win for WildBrain

While WildBrain is stepping back as a majority owner, the deal provides the Toronto-based company with a significant financial “security blanket.” The proceeds will be used to fully repay its debt, allowing the firm to reinvest in its other owned brands like Teletubbies and Strawberry Shortcake.

Crucially, WildBrain isn’t leaving the neighborhood entirely. They will remain a multi-year partner, serving as the exclusive licensing agent for Peanuts consumer products in most of Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

The Legacy Lives On

Created by Charles M. Schulz in 1950, Peanuts has grown from a seven-newspaper comic strip into a global phenomenon reaching 75 countries. Despite the change in corporate leadership, the Schulz family remains a central partner, ensuring that the “timeless charm” and gentle philosophy of the original strip remain intact as the brand approaches its 80th anniversary.

With Sony at the helm, Snoopy’s flight of fancy is only just beginning.