In its continuing efforts to extend its reach in the U.S. market, European animation company MoonScoop has acquired 51% of U.K.- and U.S.-based independent animation studio Mike Young Prods. (MYP) and its distribution arm, Taffy Ent. The deal brings together two successful animation catalogs including MoonScoop’s Code Lyoko, Titeuf, The Fantastic Four, Funky Cops, Doctor Dog and Little Vampire, and MYP’s Toddworld, Dive Olly Dive and Pet Alien. While both companies will continue to operate as usual, MYP will now be known as Mike Young Prods., a Moonscoop Company.
The new joint venture also leverages the experience of veteran executives on both sides. MoonScoop’s Benoit di Sabatino, Christophe di Sabatino, Axel Dauchez and Nicolas Atlan will work with MYP/Taffy Ent. principals Mike Young, Liz Young, and Bill Schultz to maximize production and licensing resources from locations in Paris, Los Angeles and Angoulême, France.
The sales teams of both companies will work in collaboration to exploit their properties across multiple revenue streams. MoonScoop’s Maia Tubiana will continue to serve as VP and exec producer, overseeing a number of productions including Dr. Dog, and Lionel Marty will remain head of MoonScoop’s sales team. Taffy Ent. exec VP Regis Brown will continue to oversee the sales of MYP’s growing catalog and acquisitions.
Commenting on the acquisition, MYP/Taffy owners Mike and Liz Young issued a statement saying, "We are really excited about the future. Moonscoop has been great creative and business partners for the last 3 years. We enjoyed the dating relationship so much we decided to get married! Our collective resources will make us a very strong player in the worldwide business of family entertainment."
MoonScoop is focusing its internal growth on building long-term youth franchises for its major properties, and will be seeking further external acquisition to help achieve this objective.
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