Cake, a prominent player in the entertainment industry, has finalized its acquisition of assets from the competing company Jetpack Distribution. This strategic move significantly expands Cake’s library, allowing it to double its collection of kids and family-oriented content. The financial specifics of the deal have not been disclosed, but it follows a prior announcement of a significant acquisition from Jetpack made just a month earlier. This acquisition comes in the wake of Jetpack’s struggles in the increasingly challenging kids TV sector, which has led to its liquidation process, formally initiated on August 21.
In an exclusive conversation, Cake’s CEO Ed Galton expressed admiration for how Jetpack’s founder Dominic Gardiner had successfully developed the brand, noting the strong rapport between the two executives as a key factor in the deal. Despite the challenges facing the kids TV market globally, Galton emphasized the importance of mergers like this one, which can enhance business capabilities and offerings.
As part of this acquisition, Cake’s library now boasts 3,200 half-hours of children’s programming, including well-loved titles like Moley and Talking Tom and Friends. The merger will also prompt an organizational restructuring at Cake, with Gardiner stepping in as Managing Director of Distribution and leading the revamped sales and marketing team.
Galton envisions this collaboration as a fusion of Jetpack’s brand recognition with Cake’s established expertise, aiming to deliver better services to their clients and partners. He remarked on the boutique nature of both companies, highlighting a commitment to maintaining strong personal touches in their business relationships.
For Gardiner, who has a background with Disney, this alliance represents an opportunity to bridge the best practices of both organizations, propelling Cake to new heights while navigating the evolving landscape of children’s programming. Both he and Galton recognize the dynamic shifts occurring within the industry, particularly in the U.S. market, where larger collective deals are increasingly favored over individual show licenses.
The future of the Jetpack brand remains promising, with plans for its continued presence within Cake’s operations, including representation at upcoming industry events like MIPCOM. This acquisition marks a pivotal moment for both companies as they adapt to the changing tides of the entertainment industry, reinforcing their commitment to delivering quality content for young audiences.