Japanese entertainment company TOHO Co., Ltd. has announced the acquisition of UK-based anime distributor Anime Limited from PLAION PICTURES, marking a major step in its European expansion. The company has acquired a 100% equity stake, with Anime Limited set to operate as a standalone subsidiary under TOHO Global, TOHO’s overseas business division.
Anime Limited founder and Managing Director Andrew Partridge will continue in a leadership role, with the existing team remaining in place. Through the acquisition, TOHO gains immediate access to film distribution, home video, television sales, and merchandising and licensing capabilities in the UK and France, two of Europe’s most active anime markets.
TOHO also confirmed plans to establish its European regional headquarters in London within the year. With operations now spanning Asia, North America, and Europe, the company has completed its global regional footprint. The move follows TOHO’s recent international push, including the acquisition of U.S.-based distributor GKIDS in late 2024 and the launch of TOHO Entertainment Asia in Singapore, both part of its long-term growth roadmap under TOHO VISION 2032, which prioritizes animation and overseas markets.
Strategic Alliance With PLAION
Alongside the acquisition, TOHO and PLAION PICTURES have entered into a strategic alliance aimed at strengthening anime distribution across Europe. Under this agreement, PLAION PICTURES will continue supporting TOHO titles in Germany, Italy, and other European territories, complementing TOHO’s direct distribution activities in the UK and France.
The expansion comes as the European anime market continues to grow rapidly, with the market valued at approximately $4.77 billion in 2024 and projected to reach nearly $9.05 billion by 2030. TOHO aims to capture this growth by combining Anime Limited’s established regional presence with PLAION’s wider distribution network.
Founded in 2012, Anime Limited is one of the UK’s leading Japanese content distributors and operates the ALL THE ANIME online store. The company has worked with TOHO on major releases including Your Name, Weathering With You, Promare, and Godzilla Minus One, while also distributing globally recognized franchises such as Naruto, Bleach, and Attack on Titan. Anime Limited also shares a long-standing relationship with GKIDS, now a fellow TOHO subsidiary.
By bringing together TOHO Global, Anime Limited, and PLAION PICTURES, TOHO is positioning itself to strengthen control over its IP portfolio and expand its anime and film presence across Europe with a more integrated distribution strategy.
Source: Anime Limited
