Paris-based production and distribution company Superprod Group has acquired a majority stake in leading French animation company Watch Next Media, in a move that will consolidate both their positions in the animation sector.
Under the partnership, Watch Next Media will continue to operate independently with CEO and founder Philippe Alessandri at the helm. At the same time, his company will benefit from Superprod’s expertise in premium CGI animation as well as wider financing opportunities and access to a larger talent pool.
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Created by French execs Clément Calvet and Jérémie Fajner in 2010, Superprod has been on an expansion streak in recent months.
The company acquired top Luxembourgish animation companies Studio 352 and Mélusine Productions in April and then went on to join forces with former Netflix EMEA Head of Animated Series Alexi Wheeler on new UK-based company Wheels In Motion in June.
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Further partner companies include Milano-based Red Monk Studio and Doug Schwalbe’s The Coproduction Company in the U.S. Additional subsidiaries include distribution arm Superights, its music rights platform 440Hz and its live-action unit Superprod Drama.
A leader in the French TV animation sector, Watch Next Media has seen steady growth since its creation in 2015.
The company is best known for hit animation series Nate is Late, and Boy Girl Dog Cat Mouse Cheese, both of which have run for three twenty-six half hour seasons.
Watch Next was also involved in the TV revival of Hello Kitty, as a partner on CG show Hello Kitty: Super Style!, alongside Paris–based Monello Productions and Tokyo-based Sanrio, the original creator of the iconic Japanese character.
The company has worked with a raft of top tier commissioning broadcasters and platforms including BBC, Super RTL, Amazon, M6-Gulli, Disney, Canal+, France Télévisions, ZDF, Clan, TVO and RAI.
It is also active in prime time live-action series such as Algiers Confidential (Arte / ZDF) and Nina & The Pig (France Télévisions).
Watch Next Media has its own production facilities in France in Paris and Lille, through its La Factorie subsidiary, as well as in Italy, through Animato in the northern Italian city of Turin. It also sells its 300 half-hours catalog through its distribution arm Kids First.
Alessandri said of the deal: “I’m proud to team up with Clément and Jeremie who have successfully built an international group over the last decade, without sacrificing their creative ambitions or their positive corporate culture. Our association will allow us to share expertise, find natural synergies and increase our investment capacities, which will help make a difference in a market that has become more competitive than ever”.
Calvet and Fajner welcomed Alessandri and Watch Next to the Superprod Group fold.
“We have always admired Philippe’s entrepreneurial success and impeccable taste. He has consistently worked with the best partners and talents around the world,” they said. “We are extremely proud to have Watch Next consolidate with our group. Our ambition remains to build a world class leader in the kids and family space, and beyond.”
Recent Superprod production credits include the animated series Batwheels, Lego Friends, Spirit Rangers, Paddington, Underdog and Miffy, the film Mr. Blake At Your Service starring John Malkovich, as well as the prime-time fiction series Panda (with a second season in post- production) and teen sitcom Home Sweet Rome for BBC, ARD, Rai, Family Channel and Max.
The Superprod Group was advised by Hottinguer Corporate Finance (M&A), PWC (Due Diligences) and Alerion Avocats (Legal). Watch Next Media was advised by Mediastone Partners (M&A) and UGGC (Legal).