WildBrain

WildBrain is a Canadian children's entertainment company whose activities have included animation production, television production, content distribution, digital publishing, broadcasting and consumer-products licensing. The company was created in 2006 when Toronto-based Decode Entertainment merged with Halifax Film Company, adopting the name DHX Media from the initials of the two predecessor businesses. It became a publicly traded growth platform intended to combine production assets with international distribution and licensing capabilities. During its DHX Media period, the company expanded through a series of acquisitions. It brought the former Wildbrain Entertainment animation business into the group in 2010, purchased Cookie Jar Group in 2012, acquired Ragdoll Worldwide in 2013, and added Epitome Pictures, the producer associated with the Degrassi franchise, in 2014. The Cookie Jar transaction substantially increased the size of the company's children's-programming library and made DHX one of the largest independent owners and distributors of children's television content. The company also acquired Nerd Corps Entertainment, known for computer-animated productions including Slugterra, and purchased additional programming and distribution rights from Echo Bridge Home Entertainment. WildBrain entered Canadian broadcasting in 2014 through the acquisition of four specialty services formerly associated with Astral Media: Family Channel, Disney Junior in English and French, and Disney XD. The services were operated through a broadcasting division and later included brands such as Family Jr. and Télémagino after the Disney-branded services were reconfigured. This move gave the company a direct television-distribution presence, complementing its production and library businesses. WildBrain also developed relationships with companies including AwesomenessTV, DreamWorks Animation and Mattel to create, distribute and license children's programming and franchise-based content. Digital distribution became increasingly important. In 2013, DHX launched subscription-oriented YouTube channels using its extensive library. In 2016, it established a London-based multi-channel network under the WildBrain name, later known as WildBrain Spark, to distribute children's short-form and family content on digital platforms. In 2016, the company also consolidated much of its studio activity under DHX Studios, with production operations centered in Vancouver and other Canadian locations. A major strategic expansion occurred in 2017, when DHX acquired the entertainment division of Iconix Brand Group. The transaction gave DHX full ownership of Strawberry Shortcake and an 80 percent interest in Peanuts Worldwide. The acquisition increased the company's exposure to globally recognized consumer brands but also increased its debt burden. DHX subsequently sold part of its Peanuts interest to Sony Music Entertainment Japan in 2018 and decided against a proposed sale of the entire company. Management emphasized digital content, premium programming for streaming services and franchises with merchandising potential. In 2019, DHX Media adopted the WildBrain name across the company, reflecting the growing importance of its digital network and the desire to unify production, distribution, licensing and media operations under one identity. The company continued to manage a large library of children's and family properties, including original productions and acquired franchises. Its operating units have included WildBrain Studios, WildBrain Distribution, WildBrain CPLG and WildBrain London. WildBrain expanded its rights portfolio in 2022 by obtaining production, distribution and licensing rights connected with the Jay Ward Productions catalog, which includes properties such as Rocky and Bullwinkle. It also entered a production arrangement with producer Bonnie Arnold. In 2023, Josh Scherba became president and chief executive officer, and WildBrain agreed to acq…

WildBrain originated in the 2006 merger of Decode Entertainment and Halifax Film Company. The resulting DHX Media combined children's television production with an acquisition-led strategy for building a broad library and international rights business. The company initially retained the identities of several predecessor studios, but later consolidated its subsidiaries under the DHX Media brand. The company expanded its production footprint and intellectual-property portfolio through acquisitions. Wildbrain Entertainment was acquired in 2010, followed by Cookie Jar Group in 2012. Cookie Jar brought a large catalog of children's programs and strengthened DHX's position as an independent rights holder. DHX also acquired Ragdoll Worldwide, adding international rights associated with Ragdoll Productions properties, and acquired Epitome Pictures, the Canadian producer associated with Degrassi. The purchase of programming from Echo Bridge and the acquisition of Nerd Corps Entertainment further increased the group's library and animation capabilities. In 2014, DHX entered broadcasting by purchasing Family Channel and three related children's services from Astral Media. The transaction created a television-network division and gave DHX direct access to Canadian distribution. Subsequent changes in the Canadian market, including the transfer of Disney programming rights to Corus Entertainment, led to the rebranding of the Disney-associated services as Family Jr. and Télémagino. DHX continued to combine its own productions with acquired and partner programming across its channels. Digital media became an increasingly important part of the company's strategy. DHX launched branded YouTube channels in 2013 and established a London-based multi-channel network under the WildBrain name in 2016. The digital operation distributed library content and short-form programming across online platforms, eventually becoming known as WildBrain Spark. In parallel, DHX organized much of its studio activity under DHX Studios and invested in Vancouver-based production capacity. The 2017 acquisition of Iconix Brand Group's entertainment division was a landmark transaction. It gave DHX full control of Strawberry Shortcake and an 80 percent stake in Peanuts Worldwide. Although the deal added highly recognizable global brands and significant licensing potential, it also increased the company's financial leverage. DHX reviewed strategic alternatives in 2017 and 2018, sold a portion of its Peanuts interest to Sony Music Entertainment Japan, and chose to remain independent. Management subsequently emphasized digital distribution, premium streaming content and projects with strong consumer-products prospects. In 2019, DHX Media rebranded as WildBrain. The new identity was intended to connect the company's studios, distribution operations, licensing agency and digital network under one name. WildBrain continued to develop, produce and distribute children's and family entertainment while managing a large portfolio of owned and represented properties. The company expanded its rights and production relationships in the 2020s. In 2022, it obtained production, distribution and licensing rights to the Jay Ward Productions portfolio and entered a production arrangement with Bonnie Arnold. In 2023, Josh Scherba became chief executive officer, and WildBrain acquired House of Cool, adding another animation studio to its production network. WildBrain's Canadian broadcasting business later came under pressure from cord-cutting, streaming competition and carriage negotiations. In 2023, the company filed complaints with the CRTC against Bell and Rogers, alleging undue preference for rival services. The regulator rejected the complaints in decisions issued in 2025. Bell and Rogers subsequently declined to renew carriage agreements for WildBrain's networks. WildBrain announced that it would close its Canadian linear specialty channels and focus on production, digital content, international distribution and licensing. It also announced a proposed restructuring or sale of its television operations and a transaction to sell its remaining Peanuts Worldwide interest to Sony Pictures. These developments marked a shift away from company-operated linear broadcasting toward an asset-light, franchise-centered entertainment model.

1. 2025Exit from Canadian linear specialty broadcasting

   WildBrain announces the planned closure of its Canadian linear specialty channels after losing carriage renewals.

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2. 2023House of Cool acquisition

   WildBrain completes its acquisition of House of Cool and adds the studio's founders to its management.

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3. 2022Jay Ward Productions rights agreement

   WildBrain obtains production, distribution and licensing rights to the Jay Ward portfolio.

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4. 2019Corporate rebrand to WildBrain

   DHX Media adopts WildBrain as its corporate name.

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5. 2017Iconix entertainment acquisition

   DHX acquires the entertainment division of Iconix Brand Group, gaining Strawberry Shortcake and a majority stake in Peanuts Worldwide.

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6. 2016WildBrain digital network launches

   DHX establishes a London-based multi-channel network for children's digital content.

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7. 2014Entry into broadcasting

   DHX completes its acquisition of four Canadian children's specialty television services.

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8. 2012Cookie Jar Group acquisition

   DHX completes its acquisition of Cookie Jar Group, significantly enlarging its children's-programming library.

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9. 2010Wildbrain Entertainment joins DHX

   DHX acquires the American animation studio Wildbrain Entertainment.

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10. 2006DHX Media is established

    Decode Entertainment and Halifax Film Company merge to form DHX Media.

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A globally oriented children's entertainment company that combines animation and live-action production with a large content library, digital distribution and international franchise licensing.

• WildBrain StudiosAnimation and television production2016

  WildBrain Studios is the company's production arm, with roots in the Canadian animation and children's television businesses assembled under DHX Media. Its activities have included developing and producing animated series, live-action family programming, specials and other screen content. The studio network has operated from Canadian production centers, particularly Vancouver, and has worked with external rights holders and franchise owners on original and established properties.

• WildBrain DistributionContent distribution

  WildBrain Distribution manages international sales and licensing of television programs, specials and other audiovisual content. Distribution is conducted on a territory-by-territory basis across broadcast, streaming and other media outlets. The business draws on WildBrain's owned and represented library, including content from acquired companies and third-party rights agreements.

• WildBrain CPLGBrand licensing

  WildBrain CPLG is the company's global licensing agency, formerly known as Copyright Promotions Licensing Group. It represents entertainment, sports and other brands in consumer products and related commercial programs. Its work includes territory management, licensee development, retail programs and merchandising support for properties in WildBrain's portfolio and for third-party clients.

• WildBrain LondonDigital media network2016

  WildBrain London, formerly associated with the WildBrain Spark multi-channel network, programs and distributes children's digital video, particularly through online platforms such as YouTube. Its output can include library programming, short-form entertainment, educational material and content connected with toys and consumer brands.

• Family ChannelChildren's television channel

  Family Channel was the principal Canadian specialty television property acquired by DHX Media in 2014. It carried children's and family programming and served as a broadcast outlet for WildBrain-owned productions, acquired shows and partner content. WildBrain later announced the closure of its Canadian linear specialty channels following carriage difficulties.

• PeanutsEntertainment franchise2017

  WildBrain became an 80 percent owner of Peanuts Worldwide through its 2017 acquisition of the Iconix entertainment division. The company participated in Peanuts production, distribution and licensing, including work connected with Apple TV specials and films. WildBrain later reduced and announced the sale of its remaining ownership interest while retaining selected commercial and production responsibilities.

• Strawberry ShortcakeChildren's entertainment franchise2017

  Strawberry Shortcake became part of WildBrain's portfolio through the 2017 Iconix transaction. The property supports animated and digital content as well as consumer-products licensing, making it representative of WildBrain's strategy of combining audiovisual entertainment with international franchise management.

• 2016WildBrain multi-channel network

  Global

  The company created a London-based digital network under the WildBrain name to program children's content on online platforms, including material from its own library and partner brands.

  Outcome. The network became a central part of the company's digital strategy and was later known as WildBrain Spark.

  Source
• 2013DHX YouTube premium channels

  Global

  DHX launched DHX Junior, DHX Kids and DHX Retro as subscription-oriented YouTube channels, using its library to test digital distribution and reach children and families outside traditional television.

  Outcome. Established an early digital-distribution initiative that later developed into the WildBrain digital network.

  Source

• 2025Close Canadian linear specialty channelsStrategy

  Bell and Rogers declined to renew carriage agreements for WildBrain's Canadian networks after the CRTC rejected WildBrain's undue-preference complaints.

  What changed. WildBrain announced that it would close all of its Canadian linear specialty channels in the following months.

  Aftermath. The company said the decision would have a limited effect on its broader production, distribution and licensing businesses and indicated a shift away from regulated linear broadcasting.

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• 2023Acquire House of CoolM&A

  WildBrain sought to expand its animation-production capabilities and studio network.

  What changed. WildBrain agreed to acquire Toronto-based House of Cool; the transaction was completed in July 2023.

  Aftermath. House of Cool became part of WildBrain's studio operations, with co-founders Wes Lui and Ricardo Curtis joining as co-general managers.

  Transaction value. CA$18.3 million (Announced March 2023)

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• 2019Rebrand the company as WildBrainStrategy

  Management sought to integrate the company's studios, networks, digital operations and licensing activities around the better-known WildBrain identity.

  What changed. DHX Media changed its corporate name to WildBrain Ltd.

  Aftermath. The rebrand positioned WildBrain as a unified children's entertainment and intellectual-property company rather than primarily as a production holding company.

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• 2018Sell a portion of Peanuts Worldwide ownershipStrategy

  The Iconix acquisition had increased WildBrain's debt burden and management was reviewing ways to strengthen the balance sheet.

  What changed. DHX Media agreed to sell a 39 percent stake in Peanuts Worldwide to Sony Music Entertainment Japan.

  Aftermath. The transaction provided funds for debt reduction while leaving DHX with a continuing interest in the franchise.

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• 2025WildBrain announces closure of Canadian linear specialty channels

  After Bell and Rogers declined to renew carriage agreements, WildBrain said it would close its Canadian linear specialty channels and concentrate on production, licensing and other businesses.

  Other
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• 2025WildBrain announces sale of remaining Peanuts Worldwide interest

  The company announced an agreement to sell its remaining Peanuts interest to Sony Pictures, while retaining selected production, distribution and licensing roles.

  M&A
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• 2024WildBrain announces proposed sale of a majority stake in its television operations

  The company announced a proposed transaction with IoM Media Ventures involving most of its television operations, subject to regulatory approval.

  M&A
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• 2023Josh Scherba becomes president and chief executive officer

  Scherba succeeded Eric Ellenbogen as the company's chief executive.

  Leadership change
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• 2023WildBrain agrees to acquire House of Cool

  The proposed acquisition added the Toronto-based animation studio to WildBrain's production operations and was completed later that year.

  M&A
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• 2023WildBrain files carriage-preference complaints against Bell and Rogers

  WildBrain asked the CRTC to review allegations that Bell and Rogers favored rival Corus services and competing streaming offerings.

  RegulationLawsuit
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• 2022WildBrain obtains rights to the Jay Ward Productions portfolio

  The agreement expanded WildBrain's production, distribution and licensing activities around the Jay Ward catalog.

  M&AProduct launch
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• 2019DHX Media changes its corporate name to WildBrain

  The company unified its corporate identity around the WildBrain digital-media brand.

  Other
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• 2018DHX Media sells part of its Peanuts Worldwide stake to Sony Music Entertainment Japan

  The sale reduced DHX's ownership in Peanuts Worldwide and was intended to help address debt associated with the Iconix acquisition.

  M&A
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• 2017DHX Media acquires Iconix entertainment division

  The acquisition brought Strawberry Shortcake and an 80 percent interest in Peanuts Worldwide into the company.

  M&A
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• 2014DHX Media acquires Canadian children's specialty channels

  The company purchased Family Channel and three Disney-branded Canadian services, entering the broadcasting business.

  M&A
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• 2012DHX Media acquires Cookie Jar Group

  The transaction substantially enlarged DHX's children's television library and international rights business.

  M&A
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• 2010DHX Media acquires Wildbrain Entertainment

  The acquisition added an American animation studio and helped establish the WildBrain name within the group.

  M&A
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• 2006DHX Media is formed through the merger of Decode Entertainment and Halifax Film Company

  The merger created the company that later became WildBrain and combined production capabilities in Toronto and Halifax.

  M&AOther
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1. WildBrain