Media & Entertainment Acquisitions in Canada

SiteMedia acquired STOREYS (storeys.com), a Canadian digital real estate news and urban development publication, to expand SiteMedia’s coverage across the full built-environment lifecycle spanning industrial, construction, and real estate. The deal follows the merger of SiteNews and Actual Media that formed/expanded SiteMedia’s media portfolio, bringing it to seven publications and nearly 60,000 executive subscribers.

SocialNext, a Canadian marketing conference series and professional community, acquired Marketing News Canada (MNC), a national marketing media platform known for industry news, podcasts, and storytelling. MNC will continue its editorial and podcast programming while leveraging SocialNext’s event network, media partnerships, and the SocialNext Marketing Alliance membership platform to broaden national reach and engagement.

Ross Video announced it has acquired ioversal, the creator of the Vertex platform for immersive and experiential audiovisual productions. The deal expands Ross Video into experiential technologies and strengthens its end-to-end live production ecosystem by adding tools that unify video, audio, lighting, and control for interactive exhibits, live entertainment, and large-scale productions.

Emerald Holding, Inc. (NYSE: EEX) acquired 100% of the equity interest in Generis Group, a Toronto-based organizer of B2B executive summits. The deal adds Generis’ insight-led, one-to-one meeting format and proprietary matchmaking platform to Emerald’s event portfolio, expanding Emerald’s executive-level summit offering across the United States and Europe. JEGI CLARITY + LEONIS advised Generis on the sale.

GENDA Inc., a Tokyo-based entertainment company, acquired Barberio Entertainment Company, operator of Player One Amusement Group. Player One is headquartered in Toronto and provides amusement gaming equipment plus outsourced operations and maintenance services across North America, supporting venues such as theater chains, resorts, and family entertainment locations. The deal supports GENDA’s roll-up strategy to expand its North American footprint and increase sales volume in the region.

BRAVO READY, a Montreal-based real-money gaming infrastructure company, announced it has acquired Honeyland, a blockchain-based strategy game built on Solana. The deal adds Honeyland’s technology and player base to BRAVO READY’s growing portfolio of live, revenue-generating Web3 gaming products as it pursues a multi-title ecosystem strategy.

Rodeo FX has acquired Mikros Animation, an end-to-end animation studio previously owned by Technicolor Group. The deal includes all of Mikros Animation’s operations as well as Technicolor Canada’s equipment, with the studio expected to continue operating under its existing brand within the Rodeo FX network.

Fifth Season-backed Blink49 Studios acquired Pier21 Films to expand its Canadian production footprint. As part of the deal, Pier21’s current productions, content library, and active development projects will move to Blink49 Studios, while founder Laszlo Barna exits with an exclusive first-look agreement.

Trifecta Collective LLC, a trade show platform owned and backed by private equity firm GreyLion, has acquired the Canadian Concrete Expo (CCE). CCE is a leading Canadian event serving the concrete, construction and aggregates industries, and its president and primary shareholder Stuart Galloway will continue to lead the business with the existing team remaining in place.

ESE Entertainment Inc. acquired Bombee Global Entertainment Ltd. (Bombee Americas), the North American arm of Bombee Event Production AB, to expand its live production, broadcast, special effects and event-management capabilities for gaming and entertainment clients. The transaction was completed via a share purchase agreement for a mix of cash payments and ESE common shares, with Bombee Americas’ founders signing three-year service agreements to continue operating the business post-close.

Postmedia Network Inc. has entered into an agreement to acquire certain businesses and assets of Saltwire Network Inc. and The Halifax Herald Limited (together, Saltwire), Atlantic Canada’s largest media company, which is under CCAA creditor protection. The proposed transaction is subject to conditions including negotiations with unions and other stakeholders, definitive documentation, and court approval, with an outside close date of August 26.

Scholastic closed its investment in 9 Story Media Group, acquiring 100% of the economic interest and a minority of voting rights in the children’s content producer and distributor for CAD 250 million (approximately USD 182–186 million, subject to closing adjustments). The stake was purchased from an affiliate of private equity firm ZMC and other selling shareholders, following receipt of a satisfactory opinion from the Minister of Canadian Heritage and other customary closing conditions.

Banyan Capital Partners acquired Stagevision Inc., a Canadian provider of audiovisual, staging, and event management services for live, virtual, and hybrid events. The deal represents Banyan's third platform investment through its Banyan Committed Capital LP evergreen vehicle, and includes Stagevision CEO Scott Tomlinson and the management team taking a minority ownership stake.

Ross Video announced an agreement to acquire Bannister Lake Software (BL Soft) to expand its XPression Graphics Solution Set. The deal adds data-driven workflow automation and HTML5 graphics creation/publishing products, enabling real-time rendering and distribution across cloud playout/production applications and digital channels.

ZoomerMedia Limited has completed the acquisition of Curiocity Group Inc., an Alberta-based digital media publisher, for an aggregate purchase price of $5 million paid in cash at closing. The deal expands ZoomerMedia’s digital footprint across Canada, strengthening its hyper-local content reach in markets including Calgary and Edmonton.

Minute Media acquired STN Video (founded as SendtoNews), an online video platform and sports content distribution provider with highlight rights and partnerships across major U.S. sports leagues. The deal expands Minute Media’s video technology stack (alongside its Voltax Video infrastructure) and enhances its premium sports and culture content creation, distribution, and monetization capabilities. The transaction was supported by financing raised from HSBC Innovation Banking and funds/accounts managed by BlackRock; Frontier will remain a shareholder in Minute Media.

Valnet Inc. has completed the acquisition of CarBuzz (CarBuzz.com), an online automotive platform and news publication with millions of North American readers. The deal expands Valnet’s automotive media portfolio alongside existing brands TopSpeed and HotCars, with Valnet expecting to accelerate CarBuzz’s growth using its resources and operating playbook.

Round Hill Music LP announced the acquisition of Canadian independent music company Linus Entertainment. The transaction includes Linus Entertainment’s recording and publishing catalogs (spanning multiple imprints) and also includes the purchase of the distribution company Independent Digital Licensing Agency Inc (IDLA).

Playmaker Capital Inc. has acquired 100% of La Poche Bleue (LPB), a Quebec-based sports media and entertainment group, to expand its presence in the Quebec market and complement its portfolio of video-podcast and consumer product properties. The transaction provides consideration of up to CAD$8.8 million, including cash, Playmaker shares, deferred payments, and EBITDA-based earn-outs. La Poche Bleue’s leadership team will remain to continue driving growth within Playmaker’s ecosystem.

ZoomerMedia Limited completed the acquisition of all outstanding shares of The Peak Media Collective Inc. for an aggregate purchase price of $5 million. The consideration included $3.5 million cash at closing and a $1.5 million promissory note, expanding ZoomerMedia’s portfolio of digital publications in Canada.

Nettwerk Music Group, an independent music label, announced a structured investment and strategic partnership with Flexpoint Asset Opportunity Fund II (Flexpoint Ford). Existing investors Beedie Capital and Vistara Growth also participated in the round and will remain shareholders and board members, with the new capital intended to support artist investment and music catalogue acquisitions.

Parsec Capital Acquisitions Corp., a SPAC sponsored by Parsec Acquisitions Sponsor, LLC, entered into an agreement and plan of merger with Enteractive Media Inc. of Calgary, Alberta. The business combination was approved by both companies’ boards and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2022, subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals. After closing, the combined company is expected to operate as Enteractive Media Inc. and remain listed on Nasdaq under a new ticker symbol.

Housatonic Partners made a strategic growth investment in Key Media, a global B2B media company operating 70+ digital and print titles and 80+ annual events across multiple geographies. The partnership is intended to accelerate Key Media’s growth, including expansion into new markets and investment in technology. Financial terms were not disclosed.

A Parent Media Co. Inc. (APMC), owner of Kidoodle.TV and other kids’ safe-streaming properties, closed an equity financing with private equity firm TriWest Capital Partners. The round raised over CDN $80 million and valued APMC at over CDN $600 million, with TriWest’s Managing Director Jon Spencer joining APMC’s board.

Smart Post Sound Canada, Inc., a division of Smart Post Sound, Inc. (Los Angeles), announced the acquisition of Vancouver-based Post Modern Sound. Post Modern Sound will continue operating under its existing name, and owner/president Linda McAteer will transition to Executive Vice President reporting to Smart Post Sound, Inc. President Joe Melody.

Postmedia Network Canada Corp. completed its acquisition of all issued and outstanding shares of Brunswick News Inc., including its daily and weekly newspapers, digital properties, and parcel delivery business. The assets were acquired from J. D. Irving, Limited as part of JDI’s exit from the media business, with consideration previously announced as a mix of cash and Postmedia variable voting shares (subject to working capital adjustment).

Valnet Inc. completed the acquisition of Busy Pixel Media (BPM), a digital media company. Through the deal, Valnet will own and operate BPM’s flagship tech site XDA and also acquired additional publishing assets including Pocketnow, AppAdvice, BackyardBoss, and Hook&Bullet.

ZoomerMedia Limited has acquired all of the shares of Freshdaily Inc., the owner and publisher of blogTO, a leading digital source for Toronto news, culture, and local listings. The deal adds blogTO’s large social and web audience to ZoomerMedia’s multi-platform media portfolio and is intended to accelerate new mobile-friendly digital offerings and content development.

Valnet Inc. has completed the acquisition of SimpleFlying.com, a leading online news and information destination for aviation enthusiasts and professionals. Valnet plans to integrate the site into its portfolio of digital publishing brands to build on its readership and brand authority and strengthen Valnet’s position as a digital content investor.

Playmaker Capital Inc. acquired 100% of The Nation Network (TNN) and its wholly owned subsidiary, Daily Faceoff, strengthening Playmaker’s presence in the Canadian digital sports media market. The transaction consideration totals up to CAD$15 million, consisting of CAD$6.0 million cash, CAD$6.0 million in Playmaker common shares, and up to CAD$3.0 million earn-out tied to post-close performance.

Genius Brands International, Inc. entered into a definitive agreement to acquire WOW! Unlimited Media Inc. for approximately US$53 million in a combination of cash and stock. WOW! is a Canada-based animation production and digital media company (including Frederator Studios and Mainframe Studios), and the deal is intended to create a scaled global animation and digital media platform with operational and cost synergies.

OUTFRONT Media Inc. acquired Icewerx Consulting, Inc. through its subsidiary, Outfront Media Canada LP. The deal strengthens OUTFRONT’s out-of-home advertising footprint in Edmonton by adding 19 digital displays in key commuting locations and expanding its digital inventory in the market.

Outside announced the acquisition of cycling media brand Pinkbike and its sister brands CyclingTips and Trailforks. The deal expands Outside’s position in cycling content and adds mobile mapping and trail database capabilities to its Outside+ membership ecosystem. Pinkbike’s existing teams will continue operating from Squamish, British Columbia, while CyclingTips maintains an office in Australia.

Stingray Group Inc. announced it has acquired Calm Radio, an online music streaming service focused on wellness, relaxation, mindfulness, and sleep content. Stingray will wholly own and operate Calm Radio, integrating it with existing offerings like Stingray Music and Stingray Naturescape to expand its curated content portfolio and subscriber base.

Wattpad and WEBTOON announced the merger of their respective studio divisions to create a new global entertainment studio, Wattpad WEBTOON Studios. Naver, the parent company of both businesses, will commit USD $100 million to the new studio for development and production financing.

Intema Solutions Inc. signed a letter of intent to acquire 100% of Team BloodHounds Inc., the owner of the Team BH esports brand, from founder Matteo Di Penta and other shareholders. The consideration is up to CA$621,000, consisting of CA$121,000 in cash (paid at closing and three months after) plus CA$500,000 in Intema common shares. The proposed transaction is subject to due diligence, a definitive agreement, and TSX Venture Exchange approval.

Intema Solutions Inc. signed a letter of agreement to acquire 100% of TheSMACK.gg for $35,000 in cash. TheSMACK.gg is an esports product and lifestyle company providing B2B and B2C esports-related products and advertising/marketing services. The transaction was negotiated at arm’s length and is subject to a definitive agreement and TSX Venture Exchange approval.

Captionmax LLC acquired Calgary, Alberta-based National Captioning Canada (NCC) on March 1, 2021. NCC will continue operating under its existing captioning brand while the combined company expands media accessibility services and hiring across Canada. All staff from both organizations will remain following the acquisition.

Quebecor Sports and Entertainment announced it has acquired Audiogram, a leading independent French-language record label in North America. The deal brings Audiogram and its related assets, including music publisher Éditorial Avenue, into Quebecor’s music portfolio while maintaining local leadership with Philippe Archambault continuing to run the business.

LANDR Audio acquired Audiu.net, a musician collaboration platform, to strengthen LANDR’s community and digital collaboration capabilities. The deal was funded using a portion of LANDR’s 2019 Series B financing, and Audiu’s tools and technology are being integrated into LANDR’s products to help create a single end-to-end platform for musicians.

ChannelPro Network, a division of EH Media LLC, acquired complementary technology brands from Canada-based TopickZ Inc., including the FindBiometrics and Mobile ID World websites and an associated consulting services group. The acquired brands expand EH Media’s B2B IT media portfolio (which includes ChannelPro Network and IoT Playbook) into adjacent biometrics and mobile identification markets, with founder Peter O’Neill remaining in a key integration role.

Media Central Corporation Inc. has entered into a letter of intent to acquire media and marketing services company Lazarus Bleau Incorporated for total consideration of $2 million, paid in Media Central common shares. The deal is expected to expand Media Central’s audience to more than 7.2 million monthly readers and add the publications Horizon Travel & Lifestyle Magazine and On the GO to its portfolio.

Curve Digital, part of Catalis Group, acquired Vancouver-based independent game developer IronOak Games. The bolt-on deal, supported by NorthEdge and Vespa Capital, is intended to strengthen Catalis Group’s North American presence and expand established IP such as For The King.

TGS Esports Inc. signed a letter of intent to acquire Pepper Esports Inc., a competitive esports platform, via a three-cornered amalgamation. TGS expects to acquire all outstanding securities of Pepper for approximately $6.07 million in TGS shares, subject to customary conditions and approvals. Pepper’s executive team is expected to join TGS upon closing, and Pepper will have the right to appoint a board nominee.

Media Central Corporation closed a cash-and-share deal to acquire Vancouver Free Press Corp, the owner and operator of Vancouver alternative publication The Georgia Straight, for C$1.25 million. The acquisition adds The Georgia Straight to Media Central’s portfolio of print and digital media brands alongside NOW Magazine and CannCentral.com.

Urbanimmersive Inc. acquired all outstanding shares of 8239991 Canada Inc. (doing business as Immersolution), a Canadian reseller of 3D and 360-lens cameras and immersive solutions. The total purchase price was $291,142, structured as cash at closing, Urbanimmersive share issuance, assumed debt, and a deferred payment subject to a minimum revenue target.

Crafty Apes, a visual effects company and portfolio company of Gemspring Capital, has acquired Vancouver-based CVD VFX. The deal expands Crafty Apes’ presence into Vancouver and adds CVD’s CG, compositing, and design capabilities serving film and episodic/streaming productions.

New Frontier Data announced plans to acquire Civilized Worldwide Inc., a cannabis lifestyle and engagement digital media platform, at New West Summit 2019. The combination is intended to merge New Frontier Data’s cannabis data, analytics and business intelligence capabilities with Civilized’s consumer reach and content platform to provide brands and companies with more actionable insights and compliant consumer engagement.

Boat Rocker Media acquired the principal assets of Proper Television and Proper Rights, an unscripted production and distribution company headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Proper will continue operating as an independent business unit within Boat Rocker Media, while Proper’s rights and distribution business will be consolidated into Boat Rocker Rights to expand Boat Rocker’s content catalogue and production infrastructure.

Stagnito Business Information acquired a portfolio of Canadian B-to-B media and event brands from Fulcrum Media, expanding its presence in convenience retail, foodservice, and pharmacy markets across North America. The acquired assets include Convenience Store News (Canada-related brands), Your Foodservice Manager, The Canadian Coffee & Tea Show, Le Salon Dépanneurs - Épicuries & Cie, Pharmacy Business, and the Pharmacy U conferences. Stagnito Business Information is a portfolio company of Topspin Partners.