VIZ Snaps Up European Anime Distributors

SAN FRANCISCO/PARIS: Kaze and Anime Visual, two European-based distributors of anime, are to be merged with Paris-based VIZ Media Europe, following their acquisition by VIZ Media’s parent companies, Shogakukan and Shueisha.

Kaze, led by Cedric Littardi as president, mainly operates in French-speaking territories, while Anime Virtual, whose president is Nicolas Weber-Krebs, does most of its business in German-speaking territories. Their combined core businesses include TV sales, DVD and music distribution, film distribution, consumer products and new digital distribution and broadcast platforms, as well as manga publishing in French-speaking territories. Their operations will now be managed by VIZ Media Europe, the Paris-based subsidiary of San Francisco-headquartered VIZ Media. John P. Easum is president of the combined group. The head office will remain in Paris. Littardi and Weber-Krebs have been appointed managing directors.

“This is a very exciting development for all parties involved in this venture," Easum said. "Kaze and Anime Virtual are proven pioneers and leaders in the distribution of Japanese content. This acquisition benefits Shogakukan & Shueisha Group with Kaze and Anime Virtual’s proven local market expertise, marketing innovation and experienced management. We will now be in a much better position to support our many partners, while proactively developing the market by bringing a greater variety of content to our fans in a much more effective and timely manner."