French major Gaumont is currently negotiating to acquire French animation house Alphanim, the company said in a statement.

Alphanim was founded by Christian Davin in 1997 and boasts more than 700 hours of programming. Its catalog notably includes series Galactik Football, Robot Boy and Delta State. In 2007, Alphanim expects to deliver 90 half-hours for revenues of $32m (Euros 22m).

The move marks a return to television, and especially animation, for Gaumont which saw the departure of toon guru Marc du Pontavice in 1998. Du Pontavice had co-founded Gaumont Television in 1990 and created Gaumont Multimedia in 1995 which produced several international hit series. Following his departure, the executive set up Xilam which has been one of the country's top animation producers for several years.

Indeed, in its statement Gaumont said that the acquisition is part of a desire to diversify by getting back into TV production and distribution. Gaumont Television was sold off in 1999.

Topics