U.S. Investment Firm Buys Majority Stake in Silvergate

LONDON/NEW YORK/LOS ANGELES: Octonauts producer Silvergate Media has received an investment from Shamrock Capital Advisors that will allow the company to accelerate its global growth.

Shamrock, a Los Angeles-based private equity firm, acquired a majority stake in Silvergate to support the growth of the business. The focus is to expand Silvergate’s IP, library rights and digital capabilities as well as its presence in China.

Silvergate founders Waheed Alli, CEO, and William Astor, chairman, will continue in their roles, and will be aiming to drive further expansion of the business globally.

Alli said: “Having just completed another year of strong growth and portfolio development, we are excited to be partnering with Shamrock. They have a tremendous track record of investing in media and entertainment businesses and truly understand the value of generating great content, given their extensive experience in the sector and unique heritage.

“We have made excellent progress this year globally with Octonauts and more recently Sunny Day. We are also accelerating the growth of our portfolio with the development of brand new children’s programs for partners including Disney, Nickelodeon and Netflix.

“The support of Shamrock will enable us to expand the business faster through further organic growth as well as by acquisitions.”

Wynperle, partner at Shamrock Capital Advisors, said: “Silvergate has developed a unique set of kids’ properties with significant upside potential.

“We look forward to working with Waheed, William and their team to build on Silvergate’s track record of creating the highest quality content for the children’s market. With significant global demand for content, a tremendous team, and several quality brands, the company is well positioned for the future.”