9 Story Acquires Brown Bag Films

9 Story is a North American creator, marketer and distributor of kids and family content including "Daniel Tiger's Neighbourhood," 'Wild Kratts," 'Numb Chucks," "Arthur" and "Peg + Cat."

This is the first acquisition for 9 Story following an equity investment from media entrepreneur Neil Court and Zelnick Media Capital last year. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

With headquarters in Dublin, as well as a studio in Manchester and an office in Los Angeles, Brown Bag Films employs 170 creative staff. As part of the acquisition, Brown Bag Films plans to hire an additional 50 employees as it looks to reach new markets. Brown Bag Films will retain its brand, with founder and chief executive officer Cathal Gaffney and founder, creative director Darragh O'Connell and the rest of the senior management team

"We're absolutely thrilled to be joining forces with Brown Bag Films," says Vince Commisso, president and chief executive officer, 9 Story Media Group. "Cathal, Darragh and their team in Ireland have a well-established track record and an outstanding reputation for producing high-quality animation. This transformative transaction extends our footprint into Europe, broadens our content offering to distribution partners and audiences worldwide, combines best-in-class CGI and 2D, and optimally positions the company for tremendous growth."