Turner acquires Lazytown owner

Turner Broadcasting System Europe has acquired LazyTown owner Latibaer in a deal worth over US$20 million.

The broadcaster, which operates the Cartoon Network, Boomerang and Cartoonito brands, has bought the company to expand its preschool business and follows the launch of preschool network Cartoonito across Europe, the Middle East and Africa this month.

LazyTown, which promotes healthy living for kids, was created by Magnus Scheving, chief executive of Latibaer and airs in more than 100 countries in over 12 languages. As part of the deal, Cartoonito has commissioned a third season of the show, which previously aired on CBeebies in the UK.

The deal was struck by Michael Carrington, chief content officer, Turner Broadcasting, EMEA, who originally bought the series when he was at the BBC. “LazyTown is considered to be an innovative ground breaking programme around the world. Its an inspirational television series designed to inspire young children to lead an active healthy lifestyle, and the show will be a key element in our preschool strategy going forward.  I’m thrilled that we will be a part of its future as we develop and produce the new series,” he said.