AMC networks announced that it was acquired Sentai Holdings, LLC, that includes Sentai Filmworks and the streaming service HIDIVE. The acquisition includes all interests of the members of Cool Japan Fund, Inc, a Japanese public-private investment fund.
Matt blank, acting CEO of AMC networks, has explained: “This acquisition builds on AMC Networks’ already strong intellectual property and franchises, and advances our streaming strategy, which aims to bring a wealth of content, curation and community to a passionate audience. With the addition of Sentai, we see an even greater opportunity to build AMC Networks’ position as the world’s leading provider of directed streaming while building a long-term, sustainable and profitable streaming business that will be transformative for our company.».
The founder of Sentai Filmworks, John ledford, has explained: “We are excited about the acquisition by AMC Networks and look forward to being part of their growth strategy. This acquisition won’t change Sentai’s mission to bring the most exciting anime content to audiences around the world, but it will expand it significantly and bring our content businesses more diffusion, more partnerships, more reach, and more reach. Couldn’t be happier».
Sentai Filmworks is a global supplier of anime and official articles. The company’s brands include streaming service HIDIVE, SentaiFilmworks.com, the video-on-demand channel Anime network Yes Sentai Studios. Sentai Filmworks has licensed numerous animes, such as Made in the abyss, Akame ga KILL!, Shokugeki no Souma (Food Wars!), Yes Kiseijuu: Be no Kakuritsu (Parasyte).
The takeover confused English-speaking fans in particular (HIDIVE sells content with Spanish subtitles, but to a much lesser extent than the original catalog in English) and comment forums allow you to read comments like the following:
- «Well, that came out of nowhere and is a likely sign that Sentai is still struggling to compete with FUNimation and Crunchyroll for the newer titles, both of which are now owned by Sony Pictures.».
- «I don’t think they will make the same mistake again. I’m sure if Ledford has any business acumen he would make sure it doesn’t happen again in this sale. I’m not as pessimistic about the anime industry as everyone else. I don’t like that Sony Mation Roll has the monopoly at the moment and I want Sentai and Discotek to have access to more titles. And I hope it does».
- «Well, blow my mind, it seems that the overseas anime license competition is between Sony, Netflix, Disney and AMC. And now I wonder if Warner, Universal, Viacom and Apple will be the next …»
Fountain: ANN
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