London-based Banijay Rights, the international distribution division of Banijay Group, has acquired Spain’s Funwood Media. The company currently has several kids brands in its portfolio, including the Disney Channel Italia series Monica Chef (pictured), and the licensing rights for Daniel Tiger and Shaun the Sheep.

The deal includes the sub-brands Funwood Media Italia and Funwood Media Ibérica, and is expected to enhance Banijay’s distribution, production and licensing capabilities throughout Europe. Funwood works with partners across Spain and Italy (including Rai, Sky, Discovery, Paramount, Turner, TVE, Mediaset, A3 Media, MGM and Movistar+) and recently expanded into France with M6. Following the acquisition, Banijay Rights CEO Tim Mutimer and Funwood founder Aldo Spagnoli will partner to capitalize on Funwood’s experience in the regions.

On the kids side, Funwood is behind the 40 x 30-minute series Monica Chef in collaboration with Disney Channel Italia. In 2017, 9 Story Distribution International picked up worldwide rights (excluding Spain and Italy) for the tween series. Funwood also leads a licensing and merchandising portfolio encompassing brands like Daniel Tiger, Atari, Animal Planet, Godzilla and Shaun the Sheep.

Banijay Group already has several kids operations under its purview since it previously merged with Zodiak Media in 2016, creating a global production and distribution company with operations in 17 territories. Some of Zodiak Kids’ brands include Millie InBetween, Flatmates, Kody Kapow, Lilybuds and the Secret Life of Boys.