You've Got a New Owner, Charlie Brown

The favorite comic strip of my youth has left United Media after 60 years:

E.W. Scripps Co. (SSP) said Tuesday that it will sell the unit that owns licensing rights to Snoopy, Charlie Brown and the rest of the "Peanuts" gang for $175 million to Joe Boxer owner Iconix Brand Group (ICON).


The sale of United Media Licensing also means Iconix has a new partnership with the family of the late "Peanuts" creator, Charles Schulz. The S hulz family will receive 20% ownership in the unit that owns "Peanuts" and pay that percentage of the sale price.

United Media Licensing represents other character brands such as Dilbert and Fancy Nancy, but the bulk of its licensing business comes from "Peanuts." The unit's licensed merchandise has annual sales of more than $2 billion.


Scripps first brought the strip to market in 1950. By the time Schulz retired in 1999, Peanuts was in more than 2,600 newspapers. Schulz died in February 2000.


Scripps said the cash deal will close by the end of the second quarter.


The newspaper publisher and TV station owner announced in February it was exploring a sale.


Iconix, formerly known as Candie's, owns and licenses brands such as Joe Boxer, London Fog, Starter and Mudd. The company, based in New York, licenses its brands to retailers, wholesalers and suppliers.


Scripps will still own United Media's syndication operations, so it will continue to syndicate comic strips and editorial features.


"The Peanuts characters have been our entertaining co-workers and the Schulz family has been our trusted partner for nearly 60 years. But this is the right move for all involved as we go our separate ways in recognition of changing times and new strategies," said Scripps CEO Rich Boehne.


Iconix CEO Neil Cole said the purchase moves the company away from being one focused solely on fashion into new realms that include theme parks, media and financial institutions.


The family is heartened by the sale, said Charles Schulz's son, Craig Schulz.


"Peanuts now has the best of both worlds," he said. "Family ownership and the vision and resources of Iconix to perpetuate what my father created throughout the next century with all the goodwill his lovable characters bring."

Peanuts also has a strong connection to Sonoma State University where my daughter attends college. The Schulz family has contributed a lot of money for various buildings and projects at the school, including the Jean and Charles Schulz Library, the Charlie Brown Cafe, and the Schroeder Recital Hall. Hopefully this change in ownership won't in any way dilute the characters or use them in ways Charles Schulz would not have liked.