Crunchyroll takes stake in Viz Europe

WarnerMedia-owned US streamer Crunchyroll has invested in fellow anime specialist Viz Media Europe Group.

Crunchyroll will become the majority stakeholder in Viz Media Europe Group, with The Hitotsubashi Group retaining a minority stake in the company following the deal, financial details of which were not disclosed.

Viz Media Europe Group is one of Europe’s biggest licensors and distributors of Japanese animation, with multiple lines of business including TV, DVD, digital and merchandising, while US-based Crunchyroll claims more than 50 million registered users.

“Crunchyroll and Viz Media Europe Group will bring together significant expertise, capabilities and dedication to grow and promote our respective licensed and original content,” said Joanne Waage, general manager of Crunchyroll, which is part of WarnerMedia-owned Otter Media.

Tony Goncalves, CEO of Otter Media, added: “This transaction between Crunchyroll and Viz Media will combine one of the major anime brands [outside] Asia with a well-known and beloved manga and anime distributor. Together, we aim to create connections for passionate anime fans across Europe and beyond.”