Genius Brands, A2 Merge to Create Children's Content

Deal combines production and distribution companies to create multi-platform 'content with a purpose.' Genius Brands International and A Squared Entertainment are merging to launch an intellectual property and children’s content creation and distribution company under Genius’ current banner. A Squared co-presidents Andy Heyward and Amy Moynihan Heyward will assume the roles of chairman-CEO and president of Genius Brands International, respectively. Meanwhile, current Genius CEO Klaus Moeller will become VP of special markets. The company aims to create “content with a purpose” by taking a multimedia, interactive and entertaining approach to educational programming. Genius will develop children’s entertainment in various formats, including broadcast, Web and mobile, in order to expand the learning experience beyond digital media. “This merger brings together complementary media companies that are dedicated to providing entertainment that is as enriching as it is entertaining for kids,” Heyward said. “Through this merger, we are creating the first multimedia IP creation and brand management company to exclusively provide value-driven content for kids, from infancy to their pre-teen years, in multiple formats around the world.” The new board of directors include former California governor Gray Davis and American Greetings Corp. prexy-COO Jeff Weiss. Genius Brands was advised on the transaction by Greg Suess and Bernard Cahill of ROAR. ROAR will represent the combined company.Source: http://variety.com/2013/biz/news/genius-brands-a-squared-entertainment-team-for-kidvid-merger-1200838720/