Genius Brands (GNUS) To Buy ChizComm

By Dan Anderson • Nov 16, 2020
  • Global brand management company Genius Brands International Inc (NASDAQ: GNUS) announced it is buying ChizComm

Global brand management company Genius Brands International Inc (NASDAQ: GNUS), a company that creates and licenses multimedia entertainment content for children, announced plans for a transformative acquisition of ChizComm Ltd. (leading North American marketing and media agency) and ChizComm Beacon Media (media research, planning, and buying division).

ChizComm is known as the largest purchaser of children’s media across both traditional and digital platforms in North America as well as a leader in PR, media, and marketing within the kids/family media and consumer product sectors. Launched by Harold Chizick and Jennifer Chizick in 2013 — with offices in New Jersey, Los Angeles, and Toronto — the company represents more than 30 major toy companies and some of the most iconic brands in the children and family media and toy industries.

ChizComm Beacon Media has consistently been ranked as the largest media buyer within the Kids 2-11 age group, which represents over 32% of total Gross Rating Points (GRPs). And ChizComm Beacon Media has gained market share year-to-date and now represents 34% of the total GRPs within the Kids 2-11 demographic. Plus the company’s unique purchasing power and extensive media relationships across networks — including Viacom, Warner Media, Disney, YouTube and other digital platforms — offer clients an unmatched competitive advantage and access to audiences of all ages.

KEY QUOTES:

“Our strategy has been to accelerate the growth of Genius Brands through smart and accretive acquisitions. 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!”

— Genius Brands’ Chairman & CEO Andy Heyward

“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. 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.”

— Harold Chizick, ChizComm CEO and Co-Founder