German EM.TV Acquires The Muppets
Munich-based EM.TV & Merchandising has acquired the Jim Henson Co. in a
cash and stock transaction valued at US$680 million. The German company now
owns the rights to the Muppets and Sesame Street characters. The purchase
gives EM.TV "some of the most powerful and enduring kids and family brands
worldwide and. . . access to the world's biggest and most important media
market," said Thomas Haffa, EM.TV CEO. "In addition, our investment in
Henson will give us a position in cable networks, which will open up new