NBCUniversal Announces DreamWorks Purchase

April 29, 2016 | NBCUniversal has agreed to acquire DreamWorks Animation in a deal with an equity value of an estimated $3.8 billion. The transaction is expected to close at the end of the year. 

As part of Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, DreamWorks properties like “Kung Fu Panda” will join with Illumination Entertainment and Illumination Mac Guff Studio, which is based in Paris, France. Illumination has produced recent hits like “Minions” and the upcoming “Secret Life Of Pets.”

According to Rentrak, DreamWorks’ films have grossed an estimated $5 billion at the U.S. box office, starting with the 1998 film, “Antz.” It has since produced some iconic animated franchises, including “Shrek” and “How To Train Your Dragon.”

“DreamWorks Animation is a great addition to NBCUniversal,” said Steve Burke, CEO of NBCUniversal, in a statement. “Jeffrey Katzenberg and the DreamWorks organization have created a dynamic film brand and a deep library of intellectual property. DreamWorks will help us grow our film, television, theme parks and consumer products businesses for years to come.”

Upon the completion of the transaction, DreamWorks Animation CEO and co-founder Jeffrey Katzenberg will become chairman of DreamWorks New Media, which will be comprised of the company’s ownership interests in Awesomeness TV and NOVA. He will also serve as a consultant to NBCUniversal.

A link to the full announcement is here.