France’s Ankama takes Andarta Pictures out of receivership with majority stake purchase

Ewilan’s Quest (La Quête d’Ewilan) is based on the book by Pierre Bottero

French animation studio Ankama has acquired a majority stake in Valence-based independent animation studio Andarta.

The Ankama studio is behind the Dofus and Wakfu transmedia universes  and is acquiring 51% of Andarta, in the deal announced this morning.

This equity investment means 2D animation specialist Andarta’s will exit from the court-appointed receivership it entered amidst a bloodbath of French animation firms that saw SolidAnim, O2O Studios and Cyber Group Studios all go bust.

The move will allow the company, founded in 2017 by Sophie Saget, to complete production of the animated adaptation of Ewilan’s Quest (La Quête d’Ewilan) based on the book by Pierre Bottero.

“This alliance unites two studios that share the same vision, one of high-quality, meaningful independent animation. Together, we aim to craft strong sagas at the crossroads of adventure and self-discovery. A new chapter – both creatively and structurally – is opening with Andarta. A clear artistic alignment, but also a strategic decision oriented towards the future,” said Anthony Roux, founder and creative director of Ankama.

“After a challenging first half of the year for Andarta Pictures, the entire team is delighted to join the Ankama group! Their trust and support will let us sustain our ambitions and face the future with serenity,” added Sophie Saget, founder and producer of the Andarta studio.

Both entities have already expressed their intention to co-develop new formats based on existing or original licenses.