Stourbridge-based Galleon Holdings has announced the acquisition of a fifty per cent stake in Hollywood's newest animation studio. It is paying for the deal by issuing six million Galleon shares - at the current price worth £45,000. J Christopher Entertainment, who will also take a share in future Galleon projects, brings together a team of industry stalwarts including producers, directors, artists, scriptwriters and animators, led by ex-Disney producer Chris Henderson. Mr Henderson's credits include the Hunchback of Notre Dame, 101 Dalmatians, Hercules, and most recently Clifford the Big Red Dog, the animated movie. He arrived in the UK from California at the weekend to sign the agreement. Jim Driscoll, chairman of Galleon said: "This is a very exciting acquisition for us and once again demonstrates the recognition of the depth of our portfolio of properties. "The talent provided by this studio is second to none. The team's experience has been gained over many years working for the large Hollywood studios including Disney, Warner Bros, Dreamworks and Universal." Mr Henderson, the other fifty per cent shareholder, said: "I decided to set up J Christopher Entertainment after many years of working for industry heavyweights. "The opportunity to work with Jim again - and now with Galleon - means that both creatively and commercially our complimentary skills will give us an edge in terms of budgets and speed of delivery of high quality shows at very competitive prices." The team is currently working on a cartoon series called the Oggies - featuring extreme sports-loving characters - which was launched to global television bosses at the MIPTV festival in Cannes earlier this year. Mr Henderson went on: "My entire team are totally convinced that this show will have universal appeal. "The response from kids in the US to the Oggies unique sports series has been very positive. We will be developing our properties alongside those of Galleon and also providing a service for third parties." The team includes Woody Yokum, Carter Crocker, Kenny Tomkins, Derek Carter and Gary Eggleston. Their credits include 101 Dalmatians, Donald and Goofy's Three Musketeers, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Winnie the Pooh, Cinderella, Tarzan, Jungle Book and The Lion King. Mr Driscoll added: "This is yet another acquisition that will be satisfied by a payment of six million Galleon shares plus an opportunity for the team to share collectively in the success of future productions with a backed participation share of revenue. This once again demonstrates the belief by others of the value of our rights portfolio." Mr Henderson said: "This is a unique opportunity for my studio and team to not only work on multiple projects but also to share financially in their success." Galleon Holdings is a multi-media company across a number of platforms with interests in animation, media production, database marketing, software publishing, public relations and trade journal publishing. | 
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