Sony Group Corporation (SONY) to own 80% of Peanuts after C$630M deal
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Sony Group Corporation reports that its subsidiaries Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc. and Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. have signed a definitive agreement with WildBrain Ltd. to acquire all of WildBrain’s approximately 41% equity interest in Peanuts Holdings LLC. The total purchase price is 630 million Canadian dollars (about 460 million U.S. dollars), subject to customary working capital and other adjustments.
After completion, together with Sony Music Entertainment (Japan)’s existing approximately 39% stake, Sony’s group will indirectly own 80% of Peanuts Holdings LLC, and Peanuts will become a consolidated subsidiary of Sony. The remaining 20% will continue to be owned by the family of Charles M. Schulz. Sony expects to record a remeasurement gain in operating income upon completion, based on the fair value of its existing stake, and is assessing the impact on its consolidated results. Closing is subject to specified conditions, including regulatory approvals.
Positive
- Sony secures 80% control of Peanuts Holdings LLC, shifting the iconic “PEANUTS” franchise to consolidated-subsidiary status and gaining greater strategic control over its IP and revenues.
- Expected remeasurement gain in operating income upon completion, as Sony marks its existing approximately 39% stake in Peanuts to fair value, which can boost reported operating profit in the closing period.
Negative
- None.
Insights
Sony is consolidating Peanuts via a C$630M stake buy, with an expected remeasurement gain.
Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) and Sony Pictures Entertainment have agreed to acquire all of WildBrain’s approximately 41% equity interest in Peanuts Holdings LLC for 630 million Canadian dollars (about 460 million U.S. dollars), subject to adjustments. Combined with SMEJ’s existing approximately 39% interest, Sony’s group will indirectly control 80% of Peanuts, turning it into a consolidated subsidiary once closing conditions, including regulatory approvals, are satisfied.
Economically, consolidation brings full recognition of Peanuts’ revenues and expenses into Sony’s financial statements rather than just equity-accounted earnings. Sony also states it expects to record a remeasurement gain in operating income at completion, based on the fair value of its existing approximately 39% stake, and is still assessing the size and broader impact on consolidated financial results. That gain is a non-cash accounting effect but can temporarily lift reported operating income.
Strategically, Peanuts is described as a “world-class” IP, with SMEJ already focused on expanding the brand and leveraging the Sony Group’s global network. Full consolidation may give Sony greater control over licensing, content, and merchandising strategy for the “PEANUTS” franchise. The transaction’s completion and any quantified remeasurement gain will be reflected after the closing date specified once regulatory and other conditions are met.
FAQ
What transaction involving Peanuts Holdings LLC did Sony (SONY) announce?
Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc. and Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc., both wholly owned by Sony Group Corporation, signed a definitive agreement with WildBrain Ltd. for SMEJ and SPE to indirectly acquire all of WildBrain’s approximately 41% equity interest in Peanuts Holdings LLC.
How much is Sony paying to acquire WildBrain’s stake in Peanuts Holdings LLC?
The total purchase price for WildBrain’s approximately 41% equity interest in Peanuts Holdings LLC is 630 million Canadian dollars, which is described as approximately 460 million U.S. dollars, subject to customary working capital and other adjustments.
What will Sony’s ownership stake in Peanuts Holdings LLC be after the deal closes?
After completion of the transaction, and together with Sony Music Entertainment (Japan)’s existing approximately 39% stake, SMEJ and SPE will indirectly own 80% of Peanuts Holdings LLC. The family of Charles M. Schulz will continue to own the remaining 20%.
How will this acquisition affect Sony’s financial reporting?
Once the transaction is completed, Peanuts Holdings LLC, including Peanuts Worldwide LLC, will become a consolidated subsidiary of Sony. Sony also expects to record a remeasurement gain as operating income upon completion, based on the fair value of its existing approximately 39% equity interest in Peanuts, and is assessing the impact on its consolidated financial results.
Are there any conditions that must be satisfied before the Peanuts stake acquisition closes?
Yes. The closing of the transaction is subject to certain closing conditions, which include obtaining regulatory approvals, as noted by both Sony and WildBrain.
Who will manage Peanuts Holdings LLC after it becomes part of Sony’s consolidated group?
After Peanuts Holdings LLC becomes a consolidated subsidiary of the Sony Group, Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) will take the lead in managing Peanuts Holdings LLC in partnership with Sony Pictures Entertainment.
What strategic rationale did Sony give for increasing its stake in Peanuts Holdings LLC?
Sony describes “PEANUTS” as a world-class IP and states that since 2018 SMEJ has focused on expanding the “PEANUTS” business and strengthening the brand. With the additional ownership, SMEJ aims to use its expertise in the character business and the Sony Group’s network to drive further growth of the “PEANUTS” IP business and enhance the brand’s value.
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549
FORM 6-K
REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER
Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the month of December 2025
Commission File Number: 001-06439
SONY GROUP CORPORATION
(Translation of registrant’s name into English)
1-7-1 KONAN, MINATO-KU, TOKYO, 108-0075, JAPAN
(Address of principal executive offices)
The registrant files annual reports under cover of Form 20-F.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F,
| Form 20-F x | Form 40-F ¨ |
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
SONY GROUP CORPORATION (Registrant) | ||
| By: | /s/ Lin Tao | |
| (Signature) | ||
| Lin Tao | ||
| Chief Financial Officer | ||
Date: December 19, 2025
List of Materials
Documents attached hereto:
Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) and Sony Pictures Entertainment Announce the Signing of a Definitive Agreement for the Acquisition of Additional Equity Interest in Peanuts Holdings LLC
December 19, 2025
Sony Group Corporation
Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) and Sony Pictures Entertainment
Announce the Signing of a Definitive Agreement for the Acquisition of
Additional Equity Interest in Peanuts Holdings LLC
Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc. (“SMEJ”) and Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. (“SPE”), wholly-owned subsidiaries of Sony Group Corporation (“Sony”), today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement with WildBrain Ltd. (“WildBrain”), a publicly listed Canadian company, under which SMEJ and SPE together will indirectly acquire all of the approximately 41% equity interest indirectly held by WildBrain in Peanuts Holdings LLC (“Peanuts”). The total purchase price of this acquisition is 630 million Canadian dollars (approximately 460 million U.S. dollars*), subject to customary working capital and other adjustments. Following the completion of this transaction, together with SMEJ’s existing approximately 39% equity interest, SMEJ and SPE will indirectly own an 80% equity interest in Peanuts, and Peanuts will become a consolidated subsidiary of Sony. This transaction is subject to certain closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. For details, please refer to the attached press release.
Sony expects to record a remeasurement gain as operating income upon the completion of this transaction based on the fair value of SMEJ’s existing approximately 39% equity interest in Peanuts, and Sony is currently assessing the impact, including the amount of such gain and other factors, on its consolidated financial results.
* Reference figures calculated based on a rate of 1 Canadian dollar = 0.73 U.S. dollars
To all members of the press,
December 19, 2025
Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc.
Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc.
WildBrain Ltd.
Signing of Definitive Agreement for the Acquisition
of a Stake in Peanuts Holdings LLC
Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan; President and Group CEO: Shunsuke Muramatsu; “SMEJ”), Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. (Headquarters: California, USA; President and CEO: Ravi Ahuja; “SPE”) and WildBrain Ltd. (formerly DHX Media Ltd.; Headquarters: Ontario, Canada; President and CEO: Josh Scherba; “WildBrain”) today announced that the three companies have signed a definitive agreement for SMEJ and SPE to indirectly acquire all of the approximately 41% stake ultimately held by WildBrain in Peanuts Holdings LLC. The closing of this transaction is subject to certain closing conditions, including regulatory approvals.
As a result of this transaction, SMEJ and SPE, together with SMEJ’s existing approximately 39% stake, will indirectly own 80% of Peanuts Holdings LLC, while the members of the family of Charles M. Schulz, the creator of “PEANUTS,” will continue to own the remaining 20%. The ownership of rights to “PEANUTS” and the management of its business continue to be handled by Peanuts Worldwide LLC (“PWW”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Peanuts Holdings LLC.
Peanuts Holdings LLC, including PWW, will become a consolidated subsidiary of the Sony Group. SMEJ will take the lead in managing Peanuts Holdings LLC in partnership with SPE.
Since acquiring an interest in Peanuts Holdings LLC in 2018, SMEJ, as an IP owner of “PEANUTS,” recognized as world-class IP, has focused on expanding the “PEANUTS” IP business and strengthening the brand, while maintaining and further building a positive relationship with the Schulz family. SMEJ aims to continue to use its expertise in the character business and the extensive network of the Sony Group to drive further growth of the “PEANUTS” IP business and enhance the brand’s value.
Comment from Shunsuke Muramatsu, President and Group CEO, Sony Music Entertainment (Japan)
“Since 2018, SMEJ has been proud to be part of the partnership behind ‘PEANUTS’, an iconic global entertainment brand with a 75-year legacy of delighting audiences worldwide. With this additional ownership stake, we are thrilled to be able to further elevate the value of the ‘PEANUTS’ brand by drawing on the Sony Group’s extensive global network and collective expertise. We are deeply committed to carrying forward the legacy of Charles Schulz and the Schulz family. Together with SPE, and backed by WildBrain’s continued partnership, we will continue to embrace new opportunities to ensure that ‘PEANUTS’ remains a relevant and beloved presence across generations—reaching new audiences and sharing the timeless charm of the ‘PEANUTS’ gang for years ahead.”
Comment from Ravi Ahuja, President and CEO, Sony Pictures Entertainment
“‘PEANUTS’ is enduring and iconic. We value the deep collaboration we have with our SMEJ colleagues and look forward to building on their meaningful partnership with WildBrain and the Schulz family. With our combined strengths, we have the unique capability and extraordinary opportunity to protect and shape the future of these beloved characters for generations to come.”
Comment from Josh Scherba, President and CEO, WildBrain
“Sony has been an excellent partner on the ‘PEANUTS’ brand for many years, and we’re confident that Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the gang are in good hands with them. We’d like to thank the Peanuts Worldwide team, as well as the Schulz family, for their incredible collaboration, and we look forward to working with them and Sony going forward to continue driving global success for ‘PEANUTS’.”
About “PEANUTS”
Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the rest of the “PEANUTS” gang were first introduced to the world by Charles M. Schulz on October 2, 1950, when the comic strip debuted in seven newspapers. Since then, Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the rest of the “PEANUTS” gang have made an incredible mark on popular culture. In addition to enjoying beloved “PEANUTS” shows and specials on Apple TV, fans of all ages celebrate the “PEANUTS” brand worldwide through thousands of consumer products, as well as amusement park attractions, cultural events, social events, social media, and comic strips available in all formats, from traditional to digital.
Official Website: https://www.peanuts.com/
About SMEJ
Company Name: Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc.
Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Representative: President and Group CEO, Shunsuke Muramatsu
As the headquarters company for the Sony Music Group (Japan), Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) oversees and manages the operations of all group companies and develops various businesses as a comprehensive entertainment powerhouse. Our group is dedicated to unlocking new possibilities in entertainment with three business pillars: Artist & Music (A&M), Visual & Character (V&C), and Entertainment Solution (ES). A&M encompasses record label operations as well as the discovery, development, and management of artists. V&C focuses on the planning, production, and making of animation and game content, alongside the IP licensing business, which promotes characters like “PEANUTS”. ES operates a diverse portfolio of entertainment-related solution businesses, spanning live entertainment, merchandise and packaged products, and digital solutions.
Official Website: https://www.sme.co.jp/en/
About SPE
Company Name: Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc.
Headquarters: California, USA
Representative: President and CEO, Ravi Ahuja
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Group Corporation. SPE’s global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition, and distribution; television production, acquisition, and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. Sony Pictures Television operates dozens of wholly-owned or joint-venture production companies around the world. SPE’s Motion Picture Group production organizations include Columbia Pictures, Screen Gems, TriStar Pictures, 3000 Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Stage 6 Films, AFFIRM Films, Sony Pictures International Productions, and Sony Pictures Classics. For additional information, visit https://www.sonypictures.com/corp/divisions.html
Official Website: https://www.sonypictures.com/
About WildBrain
Company Name: WildBrain Ltd.
Headquarters: Ontario, Canada
Representative: President and CEO, Josh Scherba
WildBrain Ltd. is a leading kids’ and family entertainment company. Powered by expertise in franchise management—spanning Content Creation, Audience Engagement and Global Licensing—our mission is to cultivate and grow love for our own and partner brands through exceptional entertainment experiences. With a library of approximately 14,000 half-hours, our shows reach kids and families everywhere, including on our YouTube network, which has generated more than 1.7 trillion minutes of watch time. Our consumer products licensing arm, WildBrain CPLG, represents our own and partner brands in every major territory worldwide.
Official Website: https://www.wildbrain.com/
About Peanuts Worldwide LLC and Peanuts Holdings LLC
Peanuts Worldwide LLC (“PWW”) is responsible for the management and administration of the “PEANUTS” business, including intellectual property rights for beloved characters such as Charlie Brown and Snoopy. Its activities include brand management, oversight of licensing agreements, supervision of marketing initiatives, and certain agency functions. PWW is a wholly owned subsidiary of Peanuts Holdings LLC.
Advisors
For this transaction, Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, together with Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities Co., Ltd. are acting as financial advisors and Hogan Lovells US LLP is acting as legal advisor to Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc. and Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc.
Similarly, Goldman Sachs is acting as exclusive financial advisor and Barnes & Thornburg LLP and Goodmans LLP are acting as co-legal advisors to WildBrain Ltd.
Related Press Releases: Completion of Acquisition of Stake in Peanuts Holdings LLC (July 24, 2018)
https://www.sme.co.jp/en/pressrelease/news/detail/NEWS001524.html
Usage of Visuals in Publication
Please include the following credit / copyright in publications using the included visuals.
©Peanuts Worldwide LLC