DHX Media Buys W!LDBRAIN Entertainment

TORONTO: W!LDBRAIN Entertainment, the L.A.-based outfit behind The Ricky Gervais Show and Yo Gabba Gabba!, has been acquired by DHX Media.

The deal combines DHX Media’s production capabilities and international broadcast relationships with W!LDBRAIN’s in-house creative team and relationships with U.S. broadcasters. Michael Polis continues to serve as president of W!LDBRAIN Entertainment, taking on an expanded role as the executive VP of branded entertainment and consumer products at DHX Media.

W!LDBRAIN’s production slate includes the smash hit Yo Gabba Gabba!, which currently airs on Nickelodeon in the U.S. and numerous other outlets around the world. W!LDBRAIN also produces and animates The Ricky Gervais Show for HBO.

Michael Donovan, the chairman and CEO of DHX Media said: “W!LDBRAIN is a great fit for our business. In addition to gaining a new hit U.S. property in Yo Gabba Gabba! and its live show, DHX Media will also benefit from an L.A.-based studio with a strong creative and marketing track record and excellent US broadcaster relationships. Mike Polis and his team have a first-rate reputation and this collaboration will further advance our goal of creating and leveraging a library of hit kids and family entertainment brands.”

Polis added: “In addition to further accelerating our development of co-productions, growing our successful franchises and leveraging DHX’s global distribution infrastructure for future properties, we look forward to working with DHX Media to secure new merchandising and licensing revenue opportunities in the U.S. and beyond.”