Japanese entertainment giant Toho has significantly expanded its European footprint by acquiring UK-based distributor Anime Limited and establishing a new European regional headquarters in London. This strategic move, part of Toho’s “TOHO VISION 2032” long-term management strategy, aims to capitalize on Europe’s booming anime market, which is projected to nearly double in size by 2030.
Toho Global Takes Full Ownership of Anime Limited
Toho Global, the company’s consolidated overseas subsidiary, has taken full ownership of Glasgow-based Anime Limited. While financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed, Anime Limited will continue to operate as a standalone subsidiary, with its founder and Managing Director, Andrew Partridge, and the entire staff remaining with the company.
The acquisition immediately provides Toho with established capabilities in film distribution, home video, TV sales, and merchandise and licensing across the UK and France. This move follows Anime Limited‘s earlier acquisition by Germany’s Plaion Pictures in October 2022.
Anime Limited’s Role in European Anime Distribution
Founded in late 2012 by Andrew Partridge, Anime Limited has been a prominent distributor of anime in the UK and France. The company is known for its collector-style home video releases and its efforts to develop a theatrical market for Japanese animation in Britain. Anime Limited has also been involved in anime screenings, TV airings on channels like VICE UK and Sky Movies, and digital availability through platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime.
Establishing Toho’s European Headquarters in London
In addition to the Anime Limited acquisition, Toho plans to establish its European regional headquarters in London before the end of the year. This London-based entity, which was originally established in April 2024 and is fully owned by Toho Global Inc., will serve as the core base for Toho’s European strategy. Toho will inject £16 million into this UK subsidiary, significantly expanding its capital base and elevating it to the status of a specified subsidiary.
Strategic Alliance with Plaion Pictures
Further solidifying its European strategy, Toho and Plaion Pictures have formed a strategic alliance. This partnership will see Plaion Pictures extending Toho’s distribution capabilities into Germany, Italy, and other European markets. This collaboration underscores Toho’s comprehensive approach to leveraging existing infrastructure and expertise across the continent.
Toho’s Broader Global Expansion Strategy
This latest expansion in Europe is consistent with Toho’s “TOHO VISION 2032” management strategy, which emphasizes global growth and expansion outside of Japan. The company’s recent activities highlight a clear pattern of international investment and strategic acquisitions to bolster its anime and entertainment portfolio.
Recent Acquisitions and Investments
Toho has been actively expanding its global reach through a series of key acquisitions and investments:
- GKIDS Acquisition: In October 2024, Toho acquired GKIDS, the Academy Award-winning North American animation producer and distributor. This acquisition brought established theatrical and home entertainment distribution, marketing, and sales operations in North America under the Toho umbrella.
- Science SARU: Toho announced its intention to acquire anime studio Science SARU in May 2024, with the acquisition set to be completed by February 2025. This move aims to strengthen Toho’s ability to produce high-quality animation and accelerate the growth of its animation business.
- Studio Orange: Toho is also planning to acquire a 19.7% stake in the CG studio Orange by January 17, 2025, following successful collaborations on titles such as Trigun Stampede and BEASTARS.
- Fifth Season: Toho made an equity investment in Los Angeles-based production and distribution company Fifth Season (formerly Endeavor Content) in December 2023.
- TOHO Entertainment Asia Pte. Ltd.: Toho launched this entity in Singapore in November 2024, further indicating its focus on expanding into key Asian markets.
These moves underscore Toho’s commitment to connecting its Japanese and international productions, creators, and studios with a broader global audience.
Europe’s Growing Anime Market
The European anime market was estimated at approximately US$4.77 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach nearly US$9.05 billion by 2030. This significant growth potential is a key driver behind Toho’s aggressive expansion strategy in the region. By acquiring an established player like Anime Limited and setting up a dedicated European headquarters, Toho is positioning itself to be a dominant force in this rapidly expanding market.
