Toronto and L.A.-based Blink49 Studios has acquired Toronto prodco Pier 21 Films.

The acquisition includes its current productions, content library and in-development projects. Among those productions is the 8 x 30-minute season two of Crave’s Late Bloomer, currently in postproduction. Pier 21 is also behind series such as CTV’s The Beaverton, CBC’s Run the Burbs and Don’t Even, from Crave and APTN.

The deal was negotiated by Blink49’s chief operating officer and co-founder Nelson Kuo-Lee and Pier 21’s founder Laszlo Barna (pictured left). Financial terms were not disclosed. Blink49 will assume all operations of Pier 21 while Barna will exit the company, having entered into an exclusive first-look agreement with Blink49.

Pier 21 was founded in 2011 by Barna and led by CEOs Nicole Butler and Vanessa Steinmetz.

This is the second major acquisition for Blink49, founded in 2021 by Kuo-Lee, John Morayniss and Jeff Lynas. In 2023, the company acquired Vancouver’s Front Street Pictures.

“[The acquisition] reinforces our focus on Canadian talent and partnerships, expanding our slate of comedy content, and diversifying our production activities,” said Blink49 CEO John Morayniss (pictured right) in a statement. “We’re excited for the opportunity to work with all those involved on these upcoming series and grateful to Laszlo Barna for his leadership and vision in building such a respected company.”

In January, Blink49 expanded its operations into branded content and global acquisitions, starting with bringing on Adam Steinman as EVP, global formats and acquisitions, and Adam Puchalsky as president, brand studio.

Images courtesy of Blink49 Studios