LEONINE Studios Invests in Toon2Tango

LEONINE Holding has purchased a 25.1 percent share in Toon2Tango, the kids’ and family entertainment venture founded by Hans Ulrich Stoef and Jo Daris.

With the transaction, LEONINE Studios adds the development and production of new IP in animation and live action to its existing distribution channels in the children’s and family segments.

Toon2Tango was founded three years ago by Ulrich Stoef and Daris, who have produced, among others, the international hit series Mia and me.

Fred Kogel, CEO of LEONINE Studios, said: “Our key strategic objective is to cover the entire value chain in all our business areas, wherever possible. In children’s and family entertainment, we’re already very well positioned in co-production, theatrical distribution, home entertainment and audio—currently again with the superhit The School of Magical Animals 2. With the investment in Toon2Tango, we’ve completed the value chain in kids and family entertainment by enhancing content development and production.”

Bernhard zu Castell, chief distribution officer at LEONINE Studios, said: “Ulli Stoef and Jo Daris have impressively and sustainably demonstrated their excellent sense for promising kids’ content and their great international distribution expertise in the course of their careers. We’re very pleased that we’re now intensifying our partnership by acquiring a share in Toon2Tango. Animation is already an essential part of our DNA. We know the success factors behind attractive content in this sector and have now combined all the components that enable us to build holistic brand worlds in kids and family entertainment and continue this success story together.”

Ulrich Stoef, CEO and producer at Toon2Tango: “For some time, we have been thinking about the necessary steps to take our start-up Toon2Tango to the next level. After the first three years and a great start with a large number of developments and already four shows in production, we started discussions to find the ideal strategic partner for us. We had a number of options and are convinced that we found the perfect partner in LEONINE Studios. Through this connection, we strengthen our market position and now have the full power to build a major European player in children’s and family entertainment.”