A Squared merges with Genius

Children’s content firms A Squared Entertainment and Genius Brands International are to merge to form a new multimedia-focused production-distribution company.

The two firms will be consolidated under the Genius Brands International name and target kids content “with a purpose.” The new firm will produce original content and develop interactive digital entertainment across all formats including broadcast, online, mobile and tablet devices.

Co-president of A Squared Entertainment Andy Heyward will become chairman and CEO, while his wife, Amy Moynihan Heyward, who was formerly co-president of A Squared Entertainment, will become president. Klaus Moeller, currently CEO of Genius, has been named VP of special markets.

Andy Heyward said: “We are creating the first multimedia IP creation and brand management company to exclusively provide value-driven content for kids, from infancy to their pre-teen years, in multiple formats around the world.”

Moeller added that A Squared’s relationships with international broadcasters would drive Genius Brands’ content sales, while Genius Brands’ distribution channels in the US would enable the firm to grow multimedia and retail sales.

Moeller continued: “Brands such as Stan Lee’s Mighty Seven and Warren Buffett’s Secret Millionaires Club greatly enhance the company’s portfolio and are just a few examples of the new products we will deliver.”

Heyward was founder and CEO of DIC Entertainment which he eventually sold in 2008 before setting up animation studio A Squared a year later.

The company formed a joint venture with Tata, the Indian business giant, but that was abandoned last year.