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{{short description|US anime distributor}}
{{short description|US anime distributor}}
{{for|the UK company formerly known as Manga Entertainment and also currently known as Crunchyroll Ltd.|Crunchyroll UK and Ireland}}
{{for|the UK company formerly known as Manga Entertainment and also currently known as Crunchyroll Ltd.|Crunchyroll UK and Ireland}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2020}}
{{Use American English|date=January 2023}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2023}}
{{Infobox company
{{Infobox company
| name = Manga Entertainment, LLC
| name = Manga Entertainment, LLC
| logo = MangoEntertainmentLogo.png
| logo = Manga Entertainment.svg
| logo_size = 200px
| logo_size = 200px
| logo_caption = The Manga Entertainment U.S. logo
| logo_caption = The Manga Entertainment U.S. logo
| fate = Absorbed into [[Starz Inc.]] (later [[Lionsgate#Home entertainment|Lionsgate Home Entertainment]]) (U.S. branch)<br />Acquired by [[Funimation]] (now known as [[Crunchyroll|Crunchyroll, LLC]]) (UK branch)
| fate = Absorbed into [[Starz Inc.]] (later [[Lionsgate#Home entertainment|Lionsgate Home Entertainment]]) (U.S. branch)<br />Acquired by Funimation (now known as [[Crunchyroll LLC|Crunchyroll, LLC]]) (UK branch)
| type = [[Subsidiary]]
| type = [[Subsidiary]]
| key_people =
| key_people =
| industry = Entertainment ([[anime]])
| industry = Entertainment ([[anime]])
| former_name =
| former_name =
| successors = [[Starz Inc.]]/[[Lionsgate#Home entertainment|Lionsgate Home Entertainment]] (2011–present, U.S. branch)<br />Funimation UK and Ireland/[[Crunchyroll UK and Ireland|Crunchyroll Ltd.]] (2021–present, UK branch)
| successors = [[Starz Inc.]]/[[Lionsgate#Home entertainment|Lionsgate Home Entertainment]] (2011–present, U.S. branch)<br />[[Crunchyroll UK and Ireland]] (2021–present, UK branch)
| products = Anime
| products = Anime
| revenue =
| revenue =
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| company_slogan =
| company_slogan =
| foundation = {{Start date and age|1991|1|17}} (UK branch)<br /> {{Start date and age|1993}} (U.S. branch)
| foundation = {{Start date and age|1991|1|17}} (UK branch)<br /> {{Start date and age|1993}} (U.S. branch)
| defunct = {{End date and age|2011}} (U.S. branch)<br /> {{End date and age|2021|4|19}} (UK branch)
| defunct = {{End date and age|2017}} (U.S. branch)<br /> {{End date and age|2021|4|19}} (UK branch)
| location = [[Los Angeles]], California, United States
| location = [[Los Angeles]], California, United States
| homepage = {{URL|https://www.manga.com/}}
| homepage = {{URL|https://www.manga.com/}}
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}}
}}


'''Manga Entertainment''' was a producer, licensee, and distributor of [[anime]] in the United States and the United Kingdom. Originally founded in the UK in 1987, the UK branch became Funimation UK and Ireland in 2021, also currently known as [[Crunchyroll UK and Ireland|Crunchyroll Ltd.]] since 2022, while its U.S. branch was absorbed into [[Starz Inc.]] (now owned by [[Lionsgate]]).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mangauk.com/about-us/|title=About Us}}</ref>
'''Manga Entertainment''' was a producer, licensee, and distributor of [[anime]] in the United States and the United Kingdom. Originally founded in the UK in 1987, the UK branch became Funimation UK and Ireland in 2021, also currently known as [[Crunchyroll UK and Ireland|Crunchyroll Ltd.]] since 2022, while its U.S. branch was absorbed into [[Starz Inc.]] (now owned by [[Lionsgate]]).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mangauk.com/about-us/|title=About Us|access-date=September 19, 2020|archive-date=October 19, 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/20201019201429/https://www.mangauk.com/about-us/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
Despite its name, the company's principal business was the distribution of [[anime]] rather than [[manga]], although they have published some manga (such as ''[[Crying Freeman]]'') under the Manga Books imprint.<ref>{{cite book | last=Shirow | first=Masamune | author-link=Masamune Shirow|others=trans. Studio Proteus | title=Appleseed Volume One: The Promethean Challenge | edition=UK | publisher=Manga Publishing | location=London | isbn=1-900097-01-X | orig-year=1985 | year=1995}}</ref>
Despite its name, the company's principal business was the distribution of [[anime]] rather than [[manga]], although they have published some manga (such as ''[[Crying Freeman]]'') under the Manga Books imprint.<ref>{{cite book | last=Shirow | first=Masamune | author-link=Masamune Shirow|others=trans. Studio Proteus | title=Appleseed Volume One: The Promethean Challenge | edition=UK | publisher=Manga Publishing | location=London | isbn=1-900097-01-X | orig-year=1985 | year=1995}}</ref>
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[[File:Manga Entertainment's Manga Video imprint, circa 1991.jpg|thumb|left|Manga Entertainment's original logo and initial imprint]]
[[File:Manga Entertainment's Manga Video imprint, circa 1991.jpg|thumb|left|Manga Entertainment's original logo and initial imprint]]


Manga Entertainment (formerly Island World Communications) was founded in London in 1991 by [[Chris Blackwell]] and Laurence Guinness <ref>{{cite web | url=https://animehistory.co.uk/Company/Manga_Entertainment | title=Anime History - Manga Entertainment }}</ref> as a subsidiary of [[Island Records]]' Island World Group. IWC took over the company number for Golden Square Music, but had no relationship to IWC or Manga.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/02202664|title=MANGA ENTERTAINMENT LIMITED - Overview (free company information from Companies House)|website=beta.companieshouse.gov.uk}}</ref><ref name="ann">{{Cite news|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/answerman/2015-09-14/.92910|title=Answerman - What Ever Happened to Manga Entertainment?|work=Anime News Network|access-date=2019-06-28|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/story-behind-film-akira/|title=Akira: The story behind the film|work=Empire Online|access-date=2019-06-28|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Chapter 4: The Development of the Japanese Animation Audience in the UK and France by Helen McCarthy|work=Amazon Books Online|isbn=0253340357|language=en|last1=Lent|first1=John A.|year=2001}}</ref> Manga Entertainment expanded into North America in 1993 with the purchase of L.A. Hero, forming Manga U.S. while Manga UK entered the Australian market in late 1993 and began releasing titles in January 1994 in conjunction with the Australian division of Island's parent company, [[PolyGram]] and local independent distributor Siren Entertainment.
Manga Entertainment (formerly Island World Communications) was founded in London in 1991 by [[Chris Blackwell]] and Laurence Guinness <ref>{{cite web | url=https://animehistory.co.uk/Company/Manga_Entertainment | title=Anime History - Manga Entertainment }}{{Dead link|date=February 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> as a subsidiary of [[Island Records]]' Island World Group. IWC took over the company number for Golden Square Music, but had no relationship to IWC or Manga.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/02202664|title=MANGA ENTERTAINMENT LIMITED - Overview (free company information from Companies House)|website=beta.companieshouse.gov.uk|access-date=July 4, 2019|archive-date=July 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190704223504/https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/02202664|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="ann">{{Cite news|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/answerman/2015-09-14/.92910|title=Answerman - What Ever Happened to Manga Entertainment?|work=Anime News Network|access-date=June 28, 2019|language=en|archive-date=July 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722132743/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/answerman/2015-09-14/.92910|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/story-behind-film-akira/|title=Akira: The story behind the film|work=Empire Online|access-date=June 28, 2019|language=en|archive-date=September 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180909041713/https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/story-behind-film-akira/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Chapter 4: The Development of the Japanese Animation Audience in the UK and France by Helen McCarthy|work=Amazon Books Online|isbn=0253340357|language=en|last1=Lent|first1=John A.|year=2001}}</ref> Manga Entertainment expanded into North America in 1993 with the purchase of L.A. Hero, forming Manga U.S. while Manga UK entered the Australian market in late 1993 and began releasing titles in January 1994 in conjunction with the Australian division of Island's parent company, [[PolyGram]] and local independent distributor Siren Entertainment.


On May 13, 2004, [[Starz Distribution|IDT Entertainment]] announced they would purchase Manga U.S., becoming a subsidiary of IDT Entertainment.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20040513005288/en/IDT-Entertainment-Acquires-Manga-Entertainment-Company-Gains-Extensive-Library-of-Japanese-Animation-Programming|title=IDT Entertainment Acquires Manga Entertainment; Company Gains Extensive Library of Japanese Animation Programming|date=May 13, 2004|website=www.businesswire.com}}</ref> In 2005, Manga UK and Manga U.S. began to operate independently from each other, but still remain under the same ownership.<ref name="ann" /> [[Liberty Media]] would then purchase IDT Entertainment in 2006<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20060516005627/en/Liberty-Media-to-Acquire-IDT-Entertainment-Starzs-Top-Premium-Television-Service-to-Join-With-IDTs-Animation-and-Live-Action-Production-and-Home-Entertainment-Distribution-Business|title=Liberty Media to Acquire IDT Entertainment; Starz's Top Premium Television Service to Join With IDT's Animation and Live Action Production and Home Entertainment Distribution Business|date=May 16, 2006|website=www.businesswire.com}}</ref> and would be renamed as [[Starz Distribution|Starz Media]].
On May 13, 2004, [[Starz Distribution|IDT Entertainment]] announced they would purchase Manga U.S., becoming a subsidiary of IDT Entertainment.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20040513005288/en/IDT-Entertainment-Acquires-Manga-Entertainment-Company-Gains-Extensive-Library-of-Japanese-Animation-Programming|title=IDT Entertainment Acquires Manga Entertainment; Company Gains Extensive Library of Japanese Animation Programming|date=May 13, 2004|website=www.businesswire.com|access-date=September 19, 2020|archive-date=February 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230228130307/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20040513005288/en/IDT-Entertainment-Acquires-Manga-Entertainment-Company-Gains-Extensive-Library-of-Japanese-Animation-Programming|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2005, Manga UK and Manga U.S. began to operate independently from each other, but still remain under the same ownership.<ref name="ann" /> [[Liberty Media]] would then purchase IDT Entertainment in 2006<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20060516005627/en/Liberty-Media-to-Acquire-IDT-Entertainment-Starzs-Top-Premium-Television-Service-to-Join-With-IDTs-Animation-and-Live-Action-Production-and-Home-Entertainment-Distribution-Business|title=Liberty Media to Acquire IDT Entertainment; Starz's Top Premium Television Service to Join With IDT's Animation and Live Action Production and Home Entertainment Distribution Business|date=May 16, 2006|website=www.businesswire.com|access-date=September 19, 2020|archive-date=February 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230228130317/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20060516005627/en/Liberty-Media-to-Acquire-IDT-Entertainment-Starzs-Top-Premium-Television-Service-to-Join-With-IDTs-Animation-and-Live-Action-Production-and-Home-Entertainment-Distribution-Business|url-status=live}}</ref> and would be renamed as [[Starz Distribution|Starz Media]].


In 2011, Manga U.S. ceased licensing new products after the release of ''[[Redline (2009 film)|Redline]]'' and was absorbed into Starz Media. On August 8, 2012, Liberty Media announced that it would spin-off Starz Media into a separate publicly traded company.<ref>"New York Deadline" [https://deadline.com/2012/08/liberty-media-starz-spin-off-315388/ Liberty Media Says It Will Spin Off Starz] deadline.com, Retrieved on August 8, 2012</ref> The spin-off of [[Starz Inc.]] was completed on January 15, 2013<ref>"Yahoo Finance" [https://finance.yahoo.com/news/liberty-media-spins-off-starz-135852048.html Liberty Media Spins-off Starz] finance.yahoo.com Zacks Equity Research, Retrieved on January 24, 2013</ref> which included all subsidiaries.
In 2011, Manga U.S. ceased licensing new products after the release of ''[[Redline (2009 film)|Redline]]'' and was absorbed into Starz Media. On August 8, 2012, Liberty Media announced that it would spin-off Starz Media into a separate publicly traded company.<ref>"New York Deadline" [https://deadline.com/2012/08/liberty-media-starz-spin-off-315388/ Liberty Media Says It Will Spin Off Starz] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230228130256/https://deadline.com/2012/08/liberty-media-starz-spin-off-315388/ |date=February 28, 2023 }} deadline.com, Retrieved on August 8, 2012</ref> The spin-off of [[Starz Inc.]] was completed on January 15, 2013<ref>"Yahoo Finance" [https://finance.yahoo.com/news/liberty-media-spins-off-starz-135852048.html Liberty Media Spins-off Starz] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814112906/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/liberty-media-spins-off-starz-135852048.html |date=August 14, 2021 }} finance.yahoo.com Zacks Equity Research, Retrieved on January 24, 2013</ref> which included all subsidiaries.


=== 2015–present ===
=== 2015–present ===
On February 26, 2015, the UK branch was acquired from Starz Media, alongside its parent Anchor Bay UK, by managing director Colin Lomax.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2015-02-26/starz-sells-manga-entertainment/.85400|title=Starz Sells Manga Entertainment | publisher=[[Anime News Network]] | date=February 26, 2015 | access-date=February 28, 2019}}</ref> Anchor Bay UK was renamed to Platform Entertainment and went on to have exclusive rights to the Manga Entertainment branding and catalog in the UK and Ireland.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.screendaily.com/news/colin-lomax-former-anchor-bay-uk-chief-dies-aged-56/5125270.article|title=Colin Lomax, former Anchor Bay UK chief, dies aged 56|work=Screen|access-date=2018-02-10|language=en}}</ref>
On February 26, 2015, the UK branch was acquired from Starz Media, alongside its parent Anchor Bay UK, by managing director Colin Lomax.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2015-02-26/starz-sells-manga-entertainment/.85400 | title=Starz Sells Manga Entertainment | publisher=[[Anime News Network]] | date=February 26, 2015 | access-date=February 28, 2019 | archive-date=February 28, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230228130256/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2015-02-26/starz-sells-manga-entertainment/.85400 | url-status=live }}</ref> Anchor Bay UK was renamed to Platform Entertainment and went on to have exclusive rights to the Manga Entertainment branding and catalog in the UK and Ireland.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.screendaily.com/news/colin-lomax-former-anchor-bay-uk-chief-dies-aged-56/5125270.article|title=Colin Lomax, former Anchor Bay UK chief, dies aged 56|work=Screen|access-date=February 10, 2018|language=en|archive-date=February 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209024014/https://www.screendaily.com/news/colin-lomax-former-anchor-bay-uk-chief-dies-aged-56/5125270.article|url-status=live}}</ref>


In June 2016, [[Lionsgate]] announced they would acquire [[Starz Inc.]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2016/06/lionsgate-buys-starz-1201781609/|title=Lionsgate Agrees To Buy Starz For $4.4 Billion In Cash And Stock|last=Lieberman|first=David|work=Deadline Hollywood|date=June 30, 2016|access-date=June 30, 2016}}</ref><ref name="Acquisition2">{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2016/biz/news/starz-lionsgate-close-acquisition-1201937471/|title=Lionsgate, Starz Close $4.4 Billion Acquisition|last=Schwindt|first=Oriana|work=Variety|date=December 8, 2016|access-date=December 8, 2016}}</ref> which would eventually be completed in December 2016, placing Manga U.S. under [[Lionsgate Home Entertainment]]. In the same month, Kaleidoscope Film Distribution announced they had purchased Platform Entertainment and confirmed that they would split Manga UK off to become separately operated.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.screendaily.com/distribution/kaleidoscope-buys-distributor-platform-entertainment/5111952.article|title=Kaleidoscope buys distributor Platform Entertainment|website=Screen}}</ref>
In June 2016, [[Lionsgate]] announced they would acquire [[Starz Inc.]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2016/06/lionsgate-buys-starz-1201781609/|title=Lionsgate Agrees To Buy Starz For $4.4 Billion In Cash And Stock|last=Lieberman|first=David|work=Deadline Hollywood|date=June 30, 2016|access-date=June 30, 2016|archive-date=July 1, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160701135434/https://deadline.com/2016/06/lionsgate-buys-starz-1201781609/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Acquisition2">{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2016/biz/news/starz-lionsgate-close-acquisition-1201937471/|title=Lionsgate, Starz Close $4.4 Billion Acquisition|last=Schwindt|first=Oriana|work=Variety|date=December 8, 2016|access-date=December 8, 2016|archive-date=February 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230228130256/https://variety.com/2016/biz/news/starz-lionsgate-close-acquisition-1201937471/|url-status=live}}</ref> which would eventually be completed in December 2016, placing Manga U.S. under [[Lionsgate Home Entertainment]]. In the same month, Kaleidoscope Film Distribution announced they had purchased Platform Entertainment and confirmed that they would split Manga UK off to become separately operated. After Platform Entertainment stopped distributing Manga titles, they went on to having their titles released in the UK by Spirit Entertainment.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.screendaily.com/distribution/kaleidoscope-buys-distributor-platform-entertainment/5111952.article|title=Kaleidoscope buys distributor Platform Entertainment|website=Screen|access-date=July 4, 2019|archive-date=February 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220212025640/https://www.screendaily.com/distribution/kaleidoscope-buys-distributor-platform-entertainment/5111952.article|url-status=live}}</ref>


In 2017, [[Lionsgate Home Entertainment]] relaunched Manga U.S.' website and [[Facebook]] and [[Twitter]] page, and confirmed a re-launch in the near future. Lionsgate currently licenses the Manga Entertainment brand-name from the UK branch.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.manga.com/|title=Manga|website=www.manga.com}}</ref> As of December 2020, the relaunch has yet to happen, with some of Manga's titles like ''Ghost in the Shell'' being rereleased under the main Lionsgate banner.
In 2017, [[Lionsgate Home Entertainment]] relaunched Manga U.S.' website and [[Facebook]] and [[Twitter|X (Twitter)]] page, and confirmed a re-launch in the near future. Lionsgate currently licenses the Manga Entertainment brand-name from [[Crunchyroll UK and Ireland|Crunchyroll]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.manga.com/|title=Manga|website=www.manga.com|access-date=May 1, 2020|archive-date=September 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926154234/https://www.manga.com/|url-status=live}}</ref> In the following year, the CEO Colin Lomax had died, during between the Christmas 2017 and New Year 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2018-01-03/manga-entertainment-ceo-colin-lomax-passes-away/.126015|title=Manga Entertainment CEO Colin Lomax Passes Away|website=Anime News Network|date=January 3, 2018|access-date=January 3, 2024|archive-date=January 3, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240103033302/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2018-01-03/manga-entertainment-ceo-colin-lomax-passes-away/.126015|url-status=live}}</ref> As of September 2023, the relaunch did not happen as of yet, with some of Manga's titles like ''Ghost in the Shell'' being rereleased under the main Lionsgate banner.


== See also ==
== See also ==
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== External links ==
== External links ==
* {{Official website|https://www.manga.com/|Manga U.S. official website}}
* {{anime News Network|company|10|Manga Entertainment US}}
* {{anime News Network|company|10|Manga Entertainment US}}


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[[Category:Former Liberty Media subsidiaries]]
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[[Category:Lionsgate subsidiaries]]
[[Category:Starz Entertainment Group]]
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Revision as of 11:08, 27 April 2024

For the UK company formerly known as Manga Entertainment and also currently known as Crunchyroll Ltd., see Crunchyroll UK and Ireland.

Manga Entertainment, LLC
Company typeSubsidiary
IndustryEntertainment (anime)
FoundedJanuary 17, 1991; 33 years ago (1991-01-17) (UK branch)
1993; 31 years ago (1993) (U.S. branch)
Defunct2017; 7 years ago (2017) (U.S. branch)
April 19, 2021; 3 years ago (2021-04-19) (UK branch)
FateAbsorbed into Starz Inc. (later Lionsgate Home Entertainment) (U.S. branch)
Acquired by Funimation (now known as Crunchyroll, LLC) (UK branch)
SuccessorsStarz Inc./Lionsgate Home Entertainment (2011–present, U.S. branch)
Crunchyroll UK and Ireland (2021–present, UK branch)
HeadquartersLos Angeles, California, United States
ProductsAnime
OwnerLionsgate
ParentLionsgate Home Entertainment
Websitewww.manga.com

Manga Entertainment was a producer, licensee, and distributor of anime in the United States and the United Kingdom. Originally founded in the UK in 1987, the UK branch became Funimation UK and Ireland in 2021, also currently known as Crunchyroll Ltd. since 2022, while its U.S. branch was absorbed into Starz Inc. (now owned by Lionsgate).[1]

Despite its name, the company's principal business was the distribution of anime rather than manga, although they have published some manga (such as Crying Freeman) under the Manga Books imprint.[2]

History

Manga Entertainment's original logo and initial imprint

Manga Entertainment (formerly Island World Communications) was founded in London in 1991 by Chris Blackwell and Laurence Guinness [3] as a subsidiary of Island Records' Island World Group. IWC took over the company number for Golden Square Music, but had no relationship to IWC or Manga.[4][5][6][7] Manga Entertainment expanded into North America in 1993 with the purchase of L.A. Hero, forming Manga U.S. while Manga UK entered the Australian market in late 1993 and began releasing titles in January 1994 in conjunction with the Australian division of Island's parent company, PolyGram and local independent distributor Siren Entertainment.

On May 13, 2004, IDT Entertainment announced they would purchase Manga U.S., becoming a subsidiary of IDT Entertainment.[8] In 2005, Manga UK and Manga U.S. began to operate independently from each other, but still remain under the same ownership.[5] Liberty Media would then purchase IDT Entertainment in 2006[9] and would be renamed as Starz Media.

In 2011, Manga U.S. ceased licensing new products after the release of Redline and was absorbed into Starz Media. On August 8, 2012, Liberty Media announced that it would spin-off Starz Media into a separate publicly traded company.[10] The spin-off of Starz Inc. was completed on January 15, 2013[11] which included all subsidiaries.

2015–present

On February 26, 2015, the UK branch was acquired from Starz Media, alongside its parent Anchor Bay UK, by managing director Colin Lomax.[12] Anchor Bay UK was renamed to Platform Entertainment and went on to have exclusive rights to the Manga Entertainment branding and catalog in the UK and Ireland.[13]

In June 2016, Lionsgate announced they would acquire Starz Inc.[14][15] which would eventually be completed in December 2016, placing Manga U.S. under Lionsgate Home Entertainment. In the same month, Kaleidoscope Film Distribution announced they had purchased Platform Entertainment and confirmed that they would split Manga UK off to become separately operated. After Platform Entertainment stopped distributing Manga titles, they went on to having their titles released in the UK by Spirit Entertainment.[16]

In 2017, Lionsgate Home Entertainment relaunched Manga U.S.' website and Facebook and X (Twitter) page, and confirmed a re-launch in the near future. Lionsgate currently licenses the Manga Entertainment brand-name from Crunchyroll.[17] In the following year, the CEO Colin Lomax had died, during between the Christmas 2017 and New Year 2018.[18] As of September 2023, the relaunch did not happen as of yet, with some of Manga's titles like Ghost in the Shell being rereleased under the main Lionsgate banner.

See also

References

  1. ^ "About Us". Archived from the original on October 19, 2020. Retrieved September 19, 2020.
  2. ^ Shirow, Masamune (1995) [1985]. Appleseed Volume One: The Promethean Challenge. trans. Studio Proteus (UK ed.). London: Manga Publishing. ISBN 1-900097-01-X.
  3. ^ "Anime History - Manga Entertainment".[permanent dead link]
  4. ^ "MANGA ENTERTAINMENT LIMITED - Overview (free company information from Companies House)". beta.companieshouse.gov.uk. Archived from the original on July 4, 2019. Retrieved July 4, 2019.
  5. ^ a b "Answerman - What Ever Happened to Manga Entertainment?". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on July 22, 2018. Retrieved June 28, 2019.
  6. ^ "Akira: The story behind the film". Empire Online. Archived from the original on September 9, 2018. Retrieved June 28, 2019.
  7. ^ Lent, John A. (2001). "Chapter 4: The Development of the Japanese Animation Audience in the UK and France by Helen McCarthy". Amazon Books Online. ISBN 0253340357.
  8. ^ "IDT Entertainment Acquires Manga Entertainment; Company Gains Extensive Library of Japanese Animation Programming". www.businesswire.com. May 13, 2004. Archived from the original on February 28, 2023. Retrieved September 19, 2020.
  9. ^ "Liberty Media to Acquire IDT Entertainment; Starz's Top Premium Television Service to Join With IDT's Animation and Live Action Production and Home Entertainment Distribution Business". www.businesswire.com. May 16, 2006. Archived from the original on February 28, 2023. Retrieved September 19, 2020.
  10. ^ "New York Deadline" Liberty Media Says It Will Spin Off Starz Archived February 28, 2023, at the Wayback Machine deadline.com, Retrieved on August 8, 2012
  11. ^ "Yahoo Finance" Liberty Media Spins-off Starz Archived August 14, 2021, at the Wayback Machine finance.yahoo.com Zacks Equity Research, Retrieved on January 24, 2013
  12. ^ "Starz Sells Manga Entertainment". Anime News Network. February 26, 2015. Archived from the original on February 28, 2023. Retrieved February 28, 2019.
  13. ^ "Colin Lomax, former Anchor Bay UK chief, dies aged 56". Screen. Archived from the original on February 9, 2023. Retrieved February 10, 2018.
  14. ^ Lieberman, David (June 30, 2016). "Lionsgate Agrees To Buy Starz For $4.4 Billion In Cash And Stock". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on July 1, 2016. Retrieved June 30, 2016.
  15. ^ Schwindt, Oriana (December 8, 2016). "Lionsgate, Starz Close $4.4 Billion Acquisition". Variety. Archived from the original on February 28, 2023. Retrieved December 8, 2016.
  16. ^ "Kaleidoscope buys distributor Platform Entertainment". Screen. Archived from the original on February 12, 2022. Retrieved July 4, 2019.
  17. ^ "Manga". www.manga.com. Archived from the original on September 26, 2021. Retrieved May 1, 2020.
  18. ^ "Manga Entertainment CEO Colin Lomax Passes Away". Anime News Network. January 3, 2018. Archived from the original on January 3, 2024. Retrieved January 3, 2024.

External links

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