NewQuest Capital partners takes over Cosmos-Maya as Emerald Media exits

Cosmos-Maya, Asia’s leading animation studio synonymous with market dominating IPs like Motu Patlu,  Selfie with Bajrangi, Titoo, Dabangg and several marquee Indian and International shows, announced  today that NewQuest Capital Partners (“NewQuest”) has acquired a majority interest in the company  from Emerald  Media,  an  investment  platform  backed  by  KKR.  Terms  of  the  transaction  were  not  disclosed. 

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Cosmos-Maya is one of  the fastest growing animation companies in Asia and is a microcosm of  the  Indian animation industry. For over a decade, the studio has consistently delivered several successful  IPs to every major local and global broadcaster and OTT player present in the region. Having gained  significant  market  share  in  India,  the  company  is  also  aggressively  expanding  its  operations  in  the  western  markets  producing  several  successful  TV  series,  shows  and  independent  feature  films  for  leading platforms in Europe and the US. The company has also become one of the largest providers of  animated  content  to  leading  EdTech  players  in  India  and  the US.  Cosmos-Maya  has  a  proven  track  record of anticipating trends and setting industry benchmarks with quality productions and the use of  latest technology. 

NewQuest has a strong track record of successfully partnering with business services enterprises and  working alongside management  teams  to drive meaningful value creation. “Cosmos-Maya has been  one  of  the  most  dynamic  companies  in  this  segment  with  a  remarkable  growth  trajectory.  With  a  portfolio  of  over  20  IPs  and  a  highly  talented  team,  we  strongly  believe  that  Cosmos-Maya  is  exceptionally  well  placed  to  consolidate  its  leadership  position  in  the  segment,”  said  Amit  Gupta,  Partner and Head of India and Southeast Asia at NewQuest. 

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“Cosmos-Maya has had a phenomenal journey of 25 years in animation and has grown by leaps and  bounds during this period. The partnership with Emerald Media heralded a strong growth era for us I  am very happy  that we are now getting a partner in NewQuest. The partnership marks yet another  important chapter in the global journey of our studio, which is poised for accelerated growth,” added  Ketan Mehta, Founder & Promoter of the studio. 

“We are privileged  to have worked closely with Ketan and Anish over  the years  to support Cosmos Maya’s journey in becoming a leading animation studio in India and the wider region. Emerald Media  has leveraged our industry expertise and the strength of our platform to help the company establish a  solid foundation to expand its footprint in India and across the globe. Cosmos-Maya has shown a robust  growth trajectory on the back of its creative and innovative IPs through the years, and we are confident  that the company will continue its success in the future with NewQuest,” said Rajesh Kamat, Managing  Director, Emerald Media. 

“This is a new and interesting chapter for us as we look at larger markets and newer challenges. Emerald  Media  has  been  a  great  support  in  our  growth  story  and  now  this  investment from  another  great  investor like NewQuest is a testament to our market leadership and strong operating performance. We  are excited to bring NewQuest on board as we embark on our next growth phase to become a fully  integrated,  global  animation  production  and  distribution  company.  Their  experience,  network  and  industry knowledge will help supercharge our growth, organically and through strategic acquisitions,”  said Anish Mehta, CEO of Cosmos-Maya. 

GCA acted as exclusive Financial Advisor  to Cosmos Maya and its shareholders, SNG & Partners and  Cyril  Amarchand  Mangaldas  acted  as  Legal  Advisors  and  EY  and  BDO  acted  as  Due  Diligence  and  Transaction Tax advisors.