Manga giants Shogakukan, Shueisha, and their JV Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions (see “Shueisha Invests in Sho Pro”) have jointly acquired two companies, one French and one German, which will be integrated into their European operations as part of Viz Media Europe.  The new entity will report directly to the Japanese parents, rather than through Viz Media in the U.S. as has been the case in the past.  Viz Media Europe will be wholly owned by the three Japanese parents.

The two companies being acquired are Kaze, which operates primarily in French-speaking territories; and Anime Virtual, which operates in German-speaking territories.  They give Viz Media Europe direct DVD publishing in France and Germany, direct manga publishing for French speaking Europe, TV broadcast  and distribution through new technologies, and the capacity for development and licensing of consumer products.

John Easum, President of Viz Media Europe (headquartered in Paris), will run the new operation as President/Gerant.  Cedric Littardi (former President of Kaze) and Nicolas Weber-Krebs (former President of Anime Virtual) will be managing directors of the new company.