DHX Media has announced an agreement to acquire Vancouver-based Nerd Corps Entertainment and its subsidiaries for approximately $57 million — the transaction is expected to be complete by December 24, 2014. Nerd Corps co-founder Asaph “Ace” Fipke will join the DHX Content team as Chief Content Officer, Kids & Family, reporting to DHX president & COO Steven DeNure. Nerd Corps president Ken Faier will also come aboard as SVP & General Manager, Kids & Family.
The deal will increase DHX’s operating leverage by adding Nerd Corps’ Vancouver animation studio — with five lines of production — as well as its interactive apps, gaming expertise and brand licensing opportunities. DHX’s library will gain over 200 half-hours of kids’ content, including global hit adventure toon Slugterra, airing on Disney XD in the U.S. and Canada. The acquisition includes licensing and distribution rights for all proprietary series, and will increase DHX’s staff numbers in Vancouver from roughly 300 to 700 personnel.
Founded in 2002, Nerd Corps employs approximately 400 artists, storytellers and management professionals, and is best known for award-winning original properies like Endangered Species, Kate & Mim-Mim, League of Super Evil, Rated A for Awesome, Slugterra and Storm Hawks.
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