Rodeo FX, known for its VFX work on projects such as Netflix’s Stranger Things, has acquired France-headquartered animation studio Mikros Animation.

The deal, which was ratified Thursday (March 27) in France, includes all of Mikros Animation’s operations as well as Technicolor Canada’s equipment. In February, Mikros’ previous owner, the France VFX and post giant Technicolor Group, entered receivership.

Financial details on the acquisition are not available at this time, a Rodeo FX spokesperson told Playback Daily.

Mikros, whose Montreal office animated PAW Patrol: The Movie and its sequel PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie (pictured), will maintain its brand identity, distinct projects and production pipeline with its activities being unimpacted by the acquisition. The company will also retain most of its creative, technical and leadership team, according to a release.

Rodeo FX’s expansion with this acquisition comes soon after the Montreal-headquartered company established its fifth international office in 2023, expanding to Paris.

“Mikros Animation and Rodeo FX have always shared a mutual respect and admiration. This marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for us,” said Mikros’ newly appointed president Julien Meesters in a statement. “Joining the Rodeo FX family opens new doors for us to explore broader animation horizons and to continually reinvent ourselves.”

Mikros is currently working on a third feature for the PAW Patrol franchise, directed by Montreal-born Cal Brunker, while Rodeo FX has projects in production for Apple TV+, HBO and Netflix.

“Welcoming Mikros Animation into our creative family isn’t just about growth, it’s about aligning with people who share our values, our passion for storytelling, and our belief in the magic of animation,” said Rodeo FX founder and CEO Sébastien Moreau. “Together, we’re building something that goes beyond business: a creative home where artists can dream bigger, push further, and inspire the world.”

In May 2024, Rodeo sent out a release signed by 20 other studios, including Mikros, stating that the Quebec VFX and animation industry “is facing a major revenue loss and reduced competitiveness” because of a change in the province’s tax credit regulations.

Image courtesy of Elevation Pictures