Germany’s Leonine expands by taking stake in Mia & Me producer Toon2Tango

Mia & Me has run to four seasons so far

German production group Leonine has acquired a 25.1% share in German children’s producer and distributor Toon2Tango.

The transaction adds the development and production of new IP in animation and live-action to Leonine’s existing distribution channels in the children’s and family segments. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Toon2Tango was founded three years ago by management duo Hans Ulrich Stoef and Jo Daris, who produced shows including four season of Mia & Me, totalling 104 episodes, and a theatrical feature film based on the show.

Fred Kogel, CEO of Leonine Studios, said: “Our key strategic objective is to cover the entire value chain in all our business areas, wherever possible. In children’s and family entertainment, we’re already very well positioned in coproduction, theatrical distribution, home entertainment and audio – currently again with the superhit The School of Magical Animals 2. With the investment in Toon2Tango, we’ve completed the value chain in kids and family entertainment by enhancing content development and production.”

Hans Ulrich Stoef, CEO and producer at Toon2Tango, added: “For some time we have been thinking about the necessary steps to take our start-up Toon2Tango to the next level. After the first three years and a great start with a large number of developments and already four shows in production, we started discussions to find the ideal strategic partner for us.

“We had a number of options and are convinced that we found the perfect partner in Leonine Studios. Through this connection we strengthen our market position and now have the full power to build a major European player in children’s and family entertainment.”

Toon2Tango will debut the 26-part hybrid series Lily of Fawonia at Mipcom.