DHX Media has acquired the Vancouver-based Nerd Corps Entertainment and its subsidiaries for approximately $57 million.

The acquisition will increase DHX’s operating capabilities, adding Nerd Corps’ animation studio in Vancouver, B.C., (which features five lines of production), as well as Nerd Corps’ interactive apps, gaming expertise and licensing opportunities with Nerd Corps brands.

The transaction, which is anticipated to close by Dec. 24, also brings more than 200 half-hours of proprietary children’s content to DHX’s library, including the comedy-adventure series, "Slugterra," which has been broadcast in more than 150 countries.

DHX Media is recognized globally for brands such as Yo Gabba Gabba!, Caillou, Teletubbies, In the Night Garden, Inspector Gadget, Johnny Test and the Degrassi franchise.

The deal also includes licensing and distribution rights for all proprietary Nerd Corps series and will increase DHX’s staff level in Vancouver from approximately 300 to 700 personnel.

“Nerd Corps has an outstanding reputation and track record for high-quality animation, and we believe this is a perfect fit for DHX Media–one that will add significant value and expertise," says Steven DeNure, president and chief operating officer, DHX Media.

Nerd Corps co-founder Asaph “Ace” Fipke will join the DHX Content team in the role of chief content officer of kids and family, reporting to DeNure. Nerd Corps president Ken Faier will come on board at DHX Content as senior vice president and general manager of kids and family.

“We are very proud of the way we have developed brands and produced content at Nerd Corps, having worked with some of the great children’s brands and companies in the industry," says Fipke. "Combining our forces with DHX allows us to continue building compelling content for kids and families around the world.”