Funimation Buys Crunchyroll For $1.175 Billion

The biggest news so far this week in the nerd world is Funimation acquiring Crunchyroll via AT&T selling to Sony. This move consolidates animes two biggest streaming platforms into one family. The move makes sense as competing platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon continue to invest in anime content and the rapidly growing popularity of anime in the past few years.

via Sony Pictures: Crunchyroll has more than 3 million SVOD subscribers, serves 90 million registered users across more than 200 countries and territories. Funimation buying Crunchyroll will significantly increase their user base. With many “free” anime sites getting shut down and the increase of speed and quality of the streaming services picking up (even though Season 4 of Attack on Titan crushed Crunchyroll servers a few days ago), it’s more convenient to consume anime content via a major streaming service.

“The Crunchyroll team has done an extraordinary job of not only growing the Crunchyroll brand but also building a passionate community of anime fans. Crunchyroll’s success is a direct result of the company’s culture and commitment to their fans”

Tony Goncalves – CRO WarnerMedia

Via Crunchyroll: “It’s an exciting time for anime, as two brands you know and love look to unite. Our teams and brands have been dedicated to anime and its fans for decades, and we’ve got all the convention badges to prove it! Today is just the beginning…”

“We are excited to embark on this new journey. Crunchyroll has built a world-class brand with a passionate fan-base of over 3M subscribers, 50M social followers and 90M registered users. These amazing fans have helped to propel anime into a global phenomenon.” “Combining the strength of the Crunchyroll brand and the expertise of our global team with Funimation is an exciting prospect and a win for the incredible art form of anime.”

Joanne Waage – GM of Crunchyroll

Funimation proclaims the acquisition as a win for fans via their blog:

“The union of Funimation and Crunchyroll is a win for anime fans around the world that will elevate the art and culture of this medium for decades to come.” “Combining these two great companies will be a win for fans, and enable us to compete at a truly global scale. I am honored to welcome the wonderful Crunchyroll team to a shared mission—to help everyone belong to the extraordinary world of anime.”

Colin Decker – CEO of Funimation Global Group

What does this merger mean for anime fans? Will the quality of the services increase and will their be exclusive anime content only on Funimation? Will prices increase? Will anime become even more popular and will popular titles see reboots and new seasons? There are still many questions to be answered and only time will tell what will happen. More information should come out after regulatory approval is complete. What do you think of this merger? Let us know on our social media @blerdofficial.