Shamrock Invests in Silvergate

TV production and licensing company sells majority stake to continue its global growth.

The Los Angeles-based private equity firm Shamrock Capital Advisors has acquired a majority stake in the content and licensing company Silvergate Media to accelerate its global growth.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but an initial focus will be placed on Silvergate’s intellectual properties, library rights and digital capabilities, as well as its presence in China.

Silvergate’s current portfolio of IP include series such as “Octonauts,” “Peter Rabbit” and its new preschool series for Nickelodeon, “Sunny Day.” The company is also working with China Central TV to co-produce season five of “Octonauts.”

“Having just completed another year of strong growth and portfolio development, we are excited to be partnering with Shamrock,” says Waheed Alli, chief executive officer, Silvergate Media. “They have a tremendous track record of investing in media and entertainment businesses and truly understand the value of generating great content, given their extensive experience in the sector and unique heritage.”

Silvergate’s properties currently air in more than 100 countries including on Disney Channel and Nickelodeon in the U.S., CBeebies in the U.K., ABC in Australia, TF1 in France, Super RTL in Germany and CCTV in China.

“Silvergate has developed a unique set of kids’ properties with significant upside potential,” says William Wynperle, partner, Shamrock. “We look forward to working with Waheed, William and their team to build on Silvergate’s track record of creating the highest quality content for the children’s market. With significant global demand for content, a tremendous team, and several quality brands, the company is well positioned for the future.”