ACK Media acquires Amar Chitra Katha and Tinkle

ACK Media, an entertainment and education company for young audiences, has announced the launch of the company and its acquisition of two magazine brands, Amar Chitra Katha and Tinkle magazine, from India Book House (IBH). The new company will launch with five offerings, including Amar Chitra Katha Illustrated Classics, the Tinkle family of magazines, The ACK Online Store, TinkleOnline.com and a set of proprietary characters.

Speaking at the event, Samir Patil, CEO, ACK Media, said, “If ACK Media can reach out to a fraction of India’s 300 million+ youngsters with content that stimulates the imagination and encourages critical thinking, in ways that complement the formal educational system and contemporary family upbringing, I would consider it a great success “

ACK Media will focus on developing original content and products and making them available in multiple formats, including print, DVDs, online services, games, TV and film. In the initial phase, the focus of the company is threefold. First, it will increase the availability of print and digital products in more than 500 retail stores that already carry ACK Media offerings. Second, it will introduce new online services, including an online store for the Indian diaspora as well as innovative destination sites. Third, it will license and co-develop proprietary content for films, TV, mobile and other emerging formats.

Anant Pai remains the editor emeritus and chief story teller for ACK Media; Samir Patil, who is one of the co-founders, will be CEO.

ACK Media/Amar Chitra Katha is an entertainment and education company for young audiences. The founders of the new company, Patil and Shripal Morakhia, have acquired a controlling stake in children’s publications Amar Chitra Katha, Tinkle, Tinkle Digest and Double Digest. The company is investing in a creative studio with capabilities in gaming, animation and character development.

The company will focus on new product development using rich India-centric themes, characters and stories for the Indian and international markets. The company has multiple products in the pipeline, including games, online services, characters, comics, merchandise and more. A preview of upcoming products is up on the company website.