Toho Co., the Japanese entertainment company behind Godzilla Minus One, is acquiring UK-based anime distributor Anime Limited and establishing a European regional headquarters in London, completing a rapid overseas buildout across three major markets.
The studio will purchase all shares of Glasgow-based Anime Limited from Germany’s Plaion Pictures, with the unit becoming a subsidiary of Toho Global. Financial terms were not disclosed, though the company characterized the deal’s near-term impact as negligible.
Anime Limited founder Andrew Partridge will join the leadership of Toho’s new European operations. The acquisition provides immediate distribution capabilities across theatrical, home video, television, and merchandise licensing in the UK and France. Alongside the deal, Toho and Plaion have formed a strategic alliance extending distribution to Germany, Italy, and other European territories.
The expansion follows an aggressive 2024 that saw Toho acquire US animation distributor GKIDS and launch Toho Entertainment Asia in Singapore. The company also invested in Thai animation studio Igloo in 2023.
Toho is betting on Europe’s expanding appetite for Japanese content. Industry estimates put the European anime market at $4.77 billion in 2024, with projections reaching $9.05 billion by 2030—an 11.2% compound annual growth rate.
The moves align with Toho’s long-term strategy targeting overseas and animation as core growth drivers, positioning it alongside Sony Group and Kadokawa in the race to capitalize on global demand for Japanese entertainment IP.
