BroadbandTV acquires kids digital video producer and publisher YoBoHo

Media Brief

Toronto, April 21, 2015

BroadbandTV (BBTV), a leading media and technology company based in Canada, on Tuesday announced the acquisition of kids digital video content producer and publisher YoBoHo, making BBTV one of the leaders in kids and family entertainment on YouTube.

YoBoHo’s video library boasts over 8,000 videos mainly produced by the company. It claims to operate the largest pre-school and K-12 educational network on YouTube: HooplaKidz.

All 55 YoBoHo employees will join BBTV, including producers, writers, marketers, technology and mobile experts, and the business development team, according to a statement.

RTL Group, a leading European entertainment network, provided funding for BroadbandTV’s acquisition of YoBoHo.

The vertical is experiencing exponential growth, with Nielsen reporting that total online video consumption by kids aged 2 to 11 has increased by 87% in the last three years.

Shahrzad Rafati, founder and CEO, BroadbandTV, said, “We’re very pleased to conclude the acquisition of a top player in the kids space at a time when the kids content vertical is experiencing burgeoning growth.”

“BBTV is also making a multi-million dollar investment in YoBoHo to further expand its library of original content, broaden its international footprint, and further diversify its revenue streams,” added Rafati.

“BroadbandTV currently represents two thirds of RTL Group’s online video views, and its acquisition of YoBoHo is another milestone in our joint efforts to achieve leading positions in all segments of the rapidly growing online video space,” said Guillaume de Posch, co-CEO, RTL Group.

“YoBoHo has launched 27 channels featuring original programming produced in-house reaching a global scale. We have successfully built whole ecosystems around kids content, which has led us to become a top player in the space. We have significant plans to develop this further,” said Hitendra Merchant, founder and CEO, YoBoHo.

“Our partnership with BBTV allows us to accelerate our international footprint, advance our major content production efforts and scale our business by leveraging their cutting edge technology and powerful MCN (multi-channel network) business,” added Merchant.

According to BroadbandTV, it currently operates the third largest multi-channel network (MCN) on YouTube with over 32,000 network partners and a growing library of more than 10.5 million video assets amassing four billion impressions per month. Its creators include key media brands including gaming network TGN, hip-hop music network Opposition and female lifestyle brand Kandesa.