Genius Brands to Acquire ChizComm

Genius Brands International has reached a deal to acquire the North American marketing and media agency ChizComm and its media research, planning and buying division, ChizComm Beacon Media.

“Our strategy has been to accelerate the growth of Genius Brands through smart and accretive acquisitions,” said Andy Heyward, chairman and CEO of Genius Brands. “ChizComm achieves this goal and more, by driving revenue and generating immediate synergies and strategic opportunities to enhance the core businesses of Genius. ChizComm’s reputation, integrity and unparalleled passion for the industry is completely aligned with what we stand for. Their team has very smartly built an incredible marketing engine with best-in-class ability to connect brands and consumers in a highly competitive market, and we see that as a powerful complement to our forward growth at Genius Brands, including Kartoon Channel!”

ChizComm was founded by Harold and Jennifer Chizick in 2013 and today represents more than 30 leading toy companies. It is the largest purchaser of children’s media across both traditional and digital platforms in North America. ChizComm and ChizComm Beacon Media will continue to operate as independent divisions of Genius Brands. Harold Chizick serves as CEO, Jennifer Chizick as COO, Donna MacNeil as president and Kathleen Campisano as global CMO of ChizComm and general manager of ChizComm Beacon Media.

“We are simply thrilled to find a partner in Genius Brands who shares our energy, enthusiasm and passion for the business of entertainment, media, licensing and consumer products,” said Harold Chizick. “Many of our clients are expanding into content development and licensing opportunities, so this partnership extends our capabilities to meet our clients’ evolving needs. This transaction also provides us a solid financial partner and additional resources to further accelerate our growth.”