DIC Ent. has gone public on London's AIM market under the symbol DEKEq.L. The stock became available on Oct. 14, 2005, and by closing was up 3% at 255-1/2 pence, giving DIC a market capitalization of about 108 million pounds ($188.8 million). DIC raised 17.4 million pounds as part of the listing and shareholders saw a further 13 million by selling down their stakes. Bridgewell serves as an adviser and broker to DIC.
Headed by ceo/chairman Andy Heyward, DIC was, up until now, the largest privately-owned animation studio in the U.S. Established in 1982, Heyward acquired the company in 1986. DIC was later acquired by ABC/CapCities in 1993 and became a subsidiary of the Walt Disney Co. in 1996. In Nov. 2000, Heyward led the buyout of the business from Disney with Bain Capital and subsequently purchased Bain's interest in 2004.
DIC Ent. Corp. (DIC) develops, produces, distributes, markets and merchandises animated content for children and families worldwide. DIC is a fully-integrated, one-stop organization with dedicated development, production, domestic and international marketing, consumer products licensing and home entertainment departments.
DIC libraries contain approximately 2,800 half-hours of programming, including some of the most recognizable children's brands in the world, such as Strawberry Shortcake, Trollz, Dennis the Menace, Inspector Gadget, Super Mario Brothers, Sonic the Hedgehog, The Wizard of Oz, Madeline and Sabrina.
DIC series have appeared on virtually every broadcast network and cable channel that airs programming for kids and families, including FOX, WB, UPN, HBO, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, Disney Channel and Toon Disney. The company has also launched DIC Kid's Network, a unique syndicated programming block designed to meet broadcasters core FCC requirements, which reaches 98% of U.S. households on more than 300 stations. Additionally, DIC distributes its programming internationally through over 350 broadcaster licensees in more than 200 countries.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
