German mini-major Leonine Studios, founded four years ago by Stoef and Daris, has taken full control of German animation group Toon2Tango using it as the basis of a new division, Leonine Animation Studios.
Leonine, which acquired a 25.1 percent stake in Toon2Tango in October 2022, will hold 50 percent of the new division, with Toon2Tango princes Hans Ulrich Stoef and Jo Daris jointly controlling the remaining 50 percent. Leonine’s holding company has an option to acquire majority control of Leonine Animation Studios starting in 2025
Bernhard zu Castell, distribution director of Leonine said, “The expansion of our partnership with Ulli Stoef and Jo Daris is an important strategic step for our positioning in the animation industry.” And further, “Since our investment in Toon2Tango in October 2022, we have completed successful series such as Agent 203 and Monster Loving Maniacs, among others, which have sold very well worldwide. Developing, producing, and acquiring major IP is the perfect fit for our leading marketing and distribution position, enabling us to create holistic brand worlds ranging from cinema and home entertainment to radio broadcasts and podcasts.”
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