Foot Anstey advises Octonauts rights owner, Silvergate Media, on multi-million pound investment

Specialists at leading law firm Foot Anstey have advised the highly creative children's media business, Silvergate Media, on their partnership with private equity firm Shamrock Capital Advisors.

Los Angeles-based Shamrock Capital Advisors has acquired a majority stake in Silvergate to support their global growth, organically and by acquisition as well as the continued development of intellectual property, library rights and digital capabilities.

Silvergate has a wide portfolio of projects in production, including Octonauts (currently in its fourth season) and its newest preschool series for Nickelodeon, Sunny Day(first season to be aired in 2017).  Several additional new programmes are also in development for Disney, YouTube and Netflix.

Lord Waheed Alli, CEO and Viscount William Astor, Chairman, who founded Silvergate in 2011, will continue in their roles, driving further expansion of the business globally.

Waheed Alli said: "Having worked with the team at Foot Anstey for a number of years, this latest transaction was exactly like every other before it, smooth, efficient and expertly put together.  We view them as an extended member of our executive team due to their knowledge and passion for our business.  They have advised and led the way through this, at times complex, cross-border transaction and I trust their guidance.  I look forward to continuing my relationship with them.

Partner and Private Equity specialist Matt Stoate led the team of lawyers involved in the transaction, he said: "It was a pleasure to advise Silvergate on this key investment which will help their continued global growth.  The resource and expertise we could offer meant that the tight timescales from across the world were met and our client had the best result for their business.

Chicago-based law firm Kirkland & Ellis advised Shamrock Capital Advisors from their California and London offices.