Brian Henson Leads Henson Family in Acquisition of the Jim Henson Company

samati75 · 05-07-2003, 08:06 AM

http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/030507/75325_1.html

HOLLYWOOD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 7, 2003--Brian Henson, son of the late Jim Henson, today announced that he, his sisters Lisa, Cheryl and Heather, and his brother, John, have signed a definitive agreement to acquire The Jim Henson Company from EM.TV & Merchandising AG for $78 million in cash.
Upon completion of the transaction, all five family members will serve on the company's board of directors, and Brian and Lisa Henson will be actively involved in the company's management.

Brian Henson said, "I am absolutely thrilled that Lisa, Cheryl, John, Heather and I will acquire the company our father founded some 45 years ago. This has been a very challenging period for The Jim Henson Company. But the company has achieved some great things over the past few years, continues to have great assets and, we firmly believe, has great potential. Our commitment, as the Jim Henson Company's new owners and as Jim Henson's children, is to preserve and enhance those assets, fully realize that potential, and thereby honor our father's legacy.

"In the months and years ahead, we will be actively exploring new and expanded strategic relationships to help us continue to carry out the company's mission: making the world a better place by inspiring people to celebrate life," Mr. Henson concluded.

Assets of The Jim Henson Company to be acquired in the transaction announced today include: The Muppets, The Muppet Babies, The Fraggles, The Hoobs, Farscape, and Bear in the Big Blue House. The company's principal operations include: Henson Television, Jim Henson Pictures, Jim Henson Interactive, Jim Henson Home Entertainment, the Henson Recording Studio, and Jim Henson's Creature Shop(TM).

Among recent accomplishments of The Jim Henson Company:

It's A Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie, on NBC, achieved the highest rating last season for a television movie in primetime with more than 11 million viewers.
Accomplished cross-platform revitalization of the Muppet franchise through marketing and promotional alliances with MasterCard, Macy's, NASCAR and Starbuck's, among others.
The Muppets remain pop culture icons with 5,000 licensed products in the marketplace and national appearances on such outlets as Good Morning America, Today, Hannity & Colmes, Live with Regis and Kelly, The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn, and Access Hollywood.
Kermit the Frog received his star on the world-famous Hollywood Walk of Fame, culminating a year-long celebration of the 25th Anniversary of The Muppet Show that included such high-profile appearances as The Queen's Golden Jubilee and a top-ranking music video with the popular band Weezer.
Assets that were part of The Jim Henson Company at the time of its acquisition by EM.TV & Merchandising in March 2000, and that EM.TV subsequently sold, include: the Sesame Street characters; and the company's interests in the Odyssey, Noggin and Kermit cable channels.

Completion of the transaction, which is subject to customary U.S. and international regulatory and other approvals, is expected to occur in eight to ten weeks.

The financial and legal advisors to Brian, Lisa, Cheryl, John and Heather Henson with regard to the transaction were Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Debevoise & Plimpton, respectively.

The Endeavor talent agency brokered the deal on behalf of Brian Henson and the Henson family. Endeavor is an integrated talent and literary agency that represents some of the most prolific writers, producers, directors and actors worldwide.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contact:
Kekst and Company, New York
Roy Winnick, 212/521-4842

Dominar of Action · 05-07-2003, 08:15 AM

I am just sooooo happy for the Henson family, I've got tears in my eyes. The Muppets (and Farscape) are back where they belong!

Can I get a HELL YEAH!

Kerlin · 05-07-2003, 08:17 AM

Right back at ya, DoA....HELL YEAH!!!!!!

I couldn't really be grinning any wider right now. This is such, such wonderful news, even apart from Farscape.

chani · 05-07-2003, 08:20 AM

Yeah, i know what you are talking about DoA, I am just glad for them that they have their company back at home.

And, ...

LadyCrais · 05-07-2003, 08:21 AM

WOO FRELLING HOO!!!!!!! I'm ready to turn cartwheels here!! We didn't even know they were in the running!! Now THIS qualifies for CFT's joy bomb!! Hell, there is no better scenerio than this one for Henson's future. Not to mention being totally thrilled that it is back under the family's control.

I have to say I'm just about speechless. With Brian in control of Farscape and the Creature Shop, along with all the other great Henson products, I fail to see how we did not just get our show back. It may take some finagling, but we know for a fact that the new owners of Henson are PASSIONATE about Farscape!!

Selena · 05-07-2003, 08:24 AM

Seems like this thread and Digger's is the same so I'll deposit my earlier suggestion here for those who never make it to the other thread ...

Previosuly posted (elsewhere) by yours truly!

Quote:

This calls for some creative back thumping and letter writing to Henson Co ... anyone got any ideas for a congratulatory caption/s ... with a Farscapian theme of course!

Something like ... John Crichton didn't make it home (yet) but we're glad Kermit, Miss Piggy and all the Muppets are safely back home!

I'm software challenged or I would have added art!

Help Tiriel ... I need your creative genius here!

LiLOrion · 05-07-2003, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Selena
quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This calls for some creative back thumping and letter writing to Henson Co ... anyone got any ideas for a congratulatory caption/s ... with a Farscapian theme of course!

... John Crichton didn't make it home (yet) but we're glad Kermit, Miss Piggy and all the Muppets are safely back home!

How bout:

John Crichton didn't make it home (yet) but we're glad Kermit, Miss Piggy and all the Muppets have returned safe and sound.

Dominar of Action · 05-07-2003, 08:28 AM

Personally, I'm not even thinking of Farscape at the moment. I just want to bask in the wonderful news that Jim Henson's creations are back within the control of his family, as he would have wanted it. That his family has triumphed over corporate greed ... to the tune of about $550 million in profit!

Of course, this can only be good for Farscape's future, but I'm sure there are still many hurdles to overcome. I'll just think about those another day

*This* is one of the good days, people

Kerlin · 05-07-2003, 08:33 AM

Dammit, DoA, look at what you've done, I'm crying now. But oh, this is so good to hear. This calls for some major bouncies!

Selena · 05-07-2003, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by LiLOrion
How bout:

John Crichton didn't make it home (yet) but we're glad Kermit, Miss Piggy and all the Muppets have returned safe and sound.

Sounds better than mine but there's got to be art! Where's the art LilOrion? I can't 'attach'

and I'm even worse at cropping and CAD!

I see something like ...
Ms Piggy, Kermit, Fozzie Bear, The Count, Bert and Ernie (etc) and the Farscape crew (especially Rygel and Pilot) looking forlornly at each other through a worrmhole with Earth in the background ...

I never said I didn't have a vivid imagination!

Tiriel · 05-07-2003, 08:50 AM

Hold on tight people, here comes the wheeeeeeeeel

WE'RE GETTING OUR SHOW BACK!!!!
WE'RE GETTING OUR SHOW BACK!!!!
WE'RE GETTING OUR SHOW BACK!!!!

Ooooooh, this is SUCH great news, Oooooooooooooohhhh

How about:

Hell Yeah!!!! The Muppets are HOME!!!
Is John Crichton getting an invitation to join the party?

Lemme wake up completely first, though

And Hell, I hope they'l decide to go with Viacom and totally forget about the (e)x-SFC

Love and Peace and HELL YEAH!!!

Tiriel

Scapekid · 05-07-2003, 09:16 AM

FAN-FRELLING-TASTIC!

Oh, this is just so wonderful.

I think of all the things I've ever been a fan of, I've been a fan of Henson the longest. I've loved their stuff and actually went out of the way to watch stuff of theirs since I was tiny. Actually, the fact that Henson made it was what made me initially sit down and watch Farscape.

I have *absolutely* no idea if this is good or bad for our show. Because it's not like a huge, rich corporation has bought it.

But it *is* in the hands of people we know care about it. And to be honest, I would rather that than having it be in the hands of a corporate giant. You know. To get overly sentimental and 'righteous' about it.

Kick-Ass, and power to the Henson siblings!

Cariad,
Scape'

aeryncrichton · 05-07-2003, 09:35 AM

I am SOOOOO jazzed about this, for the Henson family and the Muppets if for no other reason! This is so great!

And of course it guarantees NOTHING, but it's got to be good for our show to be in the hands of people who care about it as much as we do! Woo-hoo!

(And you wanna bet all our support to the company re: Farscape encouraged them at least a little in their efforts to buy Henson back from EM.TV?)

akimbo · 05-07-2003, 09:38 AM

I'm so very happy for Brian Henson and his family (regardless of any implications for Farscape). Sending them a "congratulations" card today.

Shipscat · 05-07-2003, 09:39 AM

Actually, Ac, I wouldn't be a bit surprised if the fiasco over Farscape didn't have a lot to do with why they wanted the company back.

05-07-2003, 08:06 AM	#1
samati75 Registered Loser Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 1,506	Brian Henson Leads Henson Family in Acquisition of the Jim Henson Company http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/030507/75325_1.html HOLLYWOOD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 7, 2003--Brian Henson, son of the late Jim Henson, today announced that he, his sisters Lisa, Cheryl and Heather, and his brother, John, have signed a definitive agreement to acquire The Jim Henson Company from EM.TV & Merchandising AG for $78 million in cash. Upon completion of the transaction, all five family members will serve on the company's board of directors, and Brian and Lisa Henson will be actively involved in the company's management. Brian Henson said, "I am absolutely thrilled that Lisa, Cheryl, John, Heather and I will acquire the company our father founded some 45 years ago. This has been a very challenging period for The Jim Henson Company. But the company has achieved some great things over the past few years, continues to have great assets and, we firmly believe, has great potential. Our commitment, as the Jim Henson Company's new owners and as Jim Henson's children, is to preserve and enhance those assets, fully realize that potential, and thereby honor our father's legacy. "In the months and years ahead, we will be actively exploring new and expanded strategic relationships to help us continue to carry out the company's mission: making the world a better place by inspiring people to celebrate life," Mr. Henson concluded. Assets of The Jim Henson Company to be acquired in the transaction announced today include: The Muppets, The Muppet Babies, The Fraggles, The Hoobs, Farscape, and Bear in the Big Blue House. The company's principal operations include: Henson Television, Jim Henson Pictures, Jim Henson Interactive, Jim Henson Home Entertainment, the Henson Recording Studio, and Jim Henson's Creature Shop(TM). Among recent accomplishments of The Jim Henson Company: It's A Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie, on NBC, achieved the highest rating last season for a television movie in primetime with more than 11 million viewers. Accomplished cross-platform revitalization of the Muppet franchise through marketing and promotional alliances with MasterCard, Macy's, NASCAR and Starbuck's, among others. The Muppets remain pop culture icons with 5,000 licensed products in the marketplace and national appearances on such outlets as Good Morning America, Today, Hannity & Colmes, Live with Regis and Kelly, The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn, and Access Hollywood. Kermit the Frog received his star on the world-famous Hollywood Walk of Fame, culminating a year-long celebration of the 25th Anniversary of The Muppet Show that included such high-profile appearances as The Queen's Golden Jubilee and a top-ranking music video with the popular band Weezer. Assets that were part of The Jim Henson Company at the time of its acquisition by EM.TV & Merchandising in March 2000, and that EM.TV subsequently sold, include: the Sesame Street characters; and the company's interests in the Odyssey, Noggin and Kermit cable channels. Completion of the transaction, which is subject to customary U.S. and international regulatory and other approvals, is expected to occur in eight to ten weeks. The financial and legal advisors to Brian, Lisa, Cheryl, John and Heather Henson with regard to the transaction were Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Debevoise & Plimpton, respectively. The Endeavor talent agency brokered the deal on behalf of Brian Henson and the Henson family. Endeavor is an integrated talent and literary agency that represents some of the most prolific writers, producers, directors and actors worldwide. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Contact: Kekst and Company, New York Roy Winnick, 212/521-4842 __________________ Non Cogito Nimis Ergo Non Sim "Why're you bitching at me like we're married, Scorpysue?" - John, Into the Lions Den ~Member of Commandant Grayza's Lonely Hearts Club ~Do I Know Joe? ~FMD #496 Farscape: Hope and Leather Pants (It's not the size of your sig that matters...) Well, at least he still gets to wear a black t-shirt... MySpace and My LiveJournal Frell Me Dead Looks Better on Firefox. Worldwide Scaper Mapping:

05-07-2003, 08:15 AM	#2
Dominar of Action Who you callin' slug?! Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 3,264	I am just sooooo happy for the Henson family, I've got tears in my eyes. The Muppets (and Farscape) are back where they belong! Can I get a HELL YEAH! __________________ "It's absolutely terrific that people aren't giving up." -- Brian Henson (8/2003), on the Save Farscape Campaign "This special television event would not be a reality were it not for the tireless, unwavering efforts of the Farscape fans to bring the series back. ... [T]hey believed that the epic story we were telling was something special and deserved a proper ending." -- Brian Henson (4/6/2004), announcing Farscape: Peacekeeper War.

05-07-2003, 08:17 AM	#3
Kerlin Boston Infidel Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: New England Posts: 1,387	Right back at ya, DoA....HELL YEAH!!!!!! I couldn't really be grinning any wider right now. This is such, such wonderful news, even apart from Farscape. __________________ You can be more. Boston Scapers NCIS Red Star

05-07-2003, 08:20 AM	#4
chani Beyond Hope Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Vienna, Austria Posts: 105	Yeah, i know what you are talking about DoA, I am just glad for them that they have their company back at home. And, ... __________________ SACC #2222 Keeper of Johns `Baby, you had me at hello.`

05-07-2003, 08:21 AM	#5
LadyCrais Look Upwards & Share..... Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Nashville Posts: 777	WOO FRELLING HOO!!!!!!! I'm ready to turn cartwheels here!! We didn't even know they were in the running!! Now THIS qualifies for CFT's joy bomb!! Hell, there is no better scenerio than this one for Henson's future. Not to mention being totally thrilled that it is back under the family's control. I have to say I'm just about speechless. With Brian in control of Farscape and the Creature Shop, along with all the other great Henson products, I fail to see how we did not just get our show back. It may take some finagling, but we know for a fact that the new owners of Henson are PASSIONATE about Farscape!! __________________ "Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed. This world in arms is not spending money alone. It is spending the sweat of its laborers, the genius of its scientists, the hopes of its children. This is not a way of life at all in any true sense. Under the clouds of war, it is humanity hanging on a cross of iron." Dwight D. Eisenhower, "The Chance for Peace" Address, April 16, 1953 "Indeed, I think that people want peace so much that one of these days governments had better get out of their way and let them have it." Dwight D Eisenhower, TV Talk with Prime Minister Macmillan August 31. 1959 "In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex." - Dwight D Eisenhower, Farewell Address. Radio and TV January 17. 1961

05-07-2003, 08:28 AM	#8
Dominar of Action Who you callin' slug?! Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 3,264	Personally, I'm not even thinking of Farscape at the moment. I just want to bask in the wonderful news that Jim Henson's creations are back within the control of his family, as he would have wanted it. That his family has triumphed over corporate greed ... to the tune of about $550 million in profit! Of course, this can only be good for Farscape's future, but I'm sure there are still many hurdles to overcome. I'll just think about those another day This is one of the good days, people __________________ "It's absolutely terrific that people aren't giving up." -- Brian Henson (8/2003), on the Save Farscape Campaign "This special television event would not be a reality were it not for the tireless, unwavering efforts of the Farscape fans to bring the series back. ... [T]hey believed that the epic story we were telling was something special and deserved a proper ending." -- Brian Henson (4/6/2004), announcing Farscape: Peacekeeper War.

05-07-2003, 08:33 AM	#9
Kerlin Boston Infidel Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: New England Posts: 1,387	Dammit, DoA, look at what you've done, I'm crying now. But oh, this is so good to hear. This calls for some major bouncies! __________________ You can be more. Boston Scapers NCIS Red Star

05-07-2003, 08:50 AM	#11
Tiriel Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 2,155	Hold on tight people, here comes the wheeeeeeeeel WE'RE GETTING OUR SHOW BACK!!!! WE'RE GETTING OUR SHOW BACK!!!! WE'RE GETTING OUR SHOW BACK!!!! Ooooooh, this is SUCH great news, Oooooooooooooohhhh How about: Hell Yeah!!!! The Muppets are HOME!!! Is John Crichton getting an invitation to join the party? Lemme wake up completely first, though And Hell, I hope they'l decide to go with Viacom and totally forget about the (e)x-SFC Love and Peace and HELL YEAH!!! Tiriel __________________ Project "We Need More Ben" is in full swing now:

05-07-2003, 09:16 AM	#12
Scapekid Has Left. Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Wales Posts: 166	FAN-FRELLING-TASTIC! Oh, this is just so wonderful. I think of all the things I've ever been a fan of, I've been a fan of Henson the longest. I've loved their stuff and actually went out of the way to watch stuff of theirs since I was tiny. Actually, the fact that Henson made it was what made me initially sit down and watch Farscape. I have absolutely no idea if this is good or bad for our show. Because it's not like a huge, rich corporation has bought it. But it is in the hands of people we know care about it. And to be honest, I would rather that than having it be in the hands of a corporate giant. You know. To get overly sentimental and 'righteous' about it. Kick-Ass, and power to the Henson siblings! Cariad, Scape' __________________ May you always be as vivid as your hallucinations.

05-07-2003, 09:35 AM	#13
aeryncrichton Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Southern California Posts: 410	I am SOOOOO jazzed about this, for the Henson family and the Muppets if for no other reason! This is so great! And of course it guarantees NOTHING, but it's got to be good for our show to be in the hands of people who care about it as much as we do! Woo-hoo! (And you wanna bet all our support to the company re: Farscape encouraged them at least a little in their efforts to buy Henson back from EM.TV?) __________________ aeryncrichton "Wait for the Wheel"

05-07-2003, 09:38 AM	#14
akimbo Chief Cook/Bottle Washer Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Northeastern Ohio Posts: 1,934	I'm so very happy for Brian Henson and his family (regardless of any implications for Farscape). Sending them a "congratulations" card today. __________________ We are electromagnetic candy for the budong media! . 0 <\|> ./ \ Ohio Scapers Unite! Join us at: www.ohioscapers.com

05-07-2003, 09:39 AM	#15
Shipscat Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 2,594	Actually, Ac, I wouldn't be a bit surprised if the fiasco over Farscape didn't have a lot to do with why they wanted the company back.

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