DHX hunts for more deals after Studio B acquisition

UK-listed media company DHX is hunting for broadband entertainment and licensing and merchandising companies following its acquisition of Canadian kids producer Studio B.

"We’re continuing to look at other acquisitions," Steven DeNure, president of entertainment at DHX-owned Decode Entertainment told TBIvision. "There are areas that are important to us, such as the broadband interactive space for kids. Another area we are growing is licensing and merchandising. And if a library is up for sale we will look at it."

The Studio B deal adds 400 half hours to the Decode catalogue, which itself runs to about 1,600 half hours. Decode will handle international sales. Studio B previously worked with distributors including Bejuba, Nelvana Sony and Decode, which sold What About Mimi?

DHX paid an initial C$8m for Vancouver-based Studio B, which will increase dependant upon the acquired company’s earnings this year and next, reaching a maximum C$20 million.

Studio B founders Blair Peters and Chris Bartleman are signed up for four year contracts following the deal and will continue its running Studio B on a day-to-day basis.

Peters told TBIvision: "Chris and I have grown the business as well as we could have over the past twenty years. The impetus [for the deal] is to give us more time to do concentrate on development and production."

Studio B is currently working on Kid Vs. Cat for YTV and Martha Speaks with WGBH. It already produces shows including Being Ian, The Amazing Adrenalini Brothers and Ricky Sprocket – Showbiz Boy.