Blue Ant Media acquires MagellanTV for $12 million USD, expanding its global streaming and channels portfolio. MagellanTV operates a streaming service and AVOD/FAST channels across history, nature, science, space, and true crime genres. The acquisition enhances monetization opportunities and strengthens Blue Ant's position as a leading provider of premium factual content worldwide. MagellanTV's co-founders will join Blue Ant, with Greg Diefenbach as EVP of Streaming and Thomas Lucas remaining involved for several months.
TORONTO, September 12, 2025 – Blue Ant Media Corporation (TSX: BAMI) has announced the acquisition of MagellanTV LLC for $12 million USD. This strategic move expands Blue Ant's global streaming and channels portfolio, enhancing its position as a leading provider of premium factual content worldwide.
MagellanTV, founded in 2018 by Greg Diefenbach and Thomas Lucas, operates a streaming video-on-demand (SVOD) service and a growing portfolio of advertising video-on-demand (AVOD) and free, ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channels. The company focuses on genres including history, nature, science, space, and true crime. With distribution partnerships spanning Roku, Amazon, Apple, Samsung, LG, Comcast, Vizio, Pluto TV, and Google, MagellanTV reaches audiences in 13 countries across more than 20 platforms.
The acquisition will add scale and audiences to Blue Ant Media, while also expanding monetization opportunities. "This acquisition of MagellanTV increases Blue Ant's scale and adds audiences and distribution capabilities that are highly complementary to our business," said Michael MacMillan, CEO of Blue Ant. "MagellanTV's business model is primed for optimization within our global infrastructure, and we're thrilled to welcome the talented team to Blue Ant."
Greg Diefenbach will join Blue Ant as Executive Vice President, Streaming, overseeing the company's direct-to-consumer and subscription video businesses. Thomas Lucas will remain involved for several months to support the transition and ensure continuity for partners and audiences.
The strategic rationale behind this acquisition includes the addition of a premium SVOD platform with an established subscriber base, expanding monetization across SVOD, AVOD, and FAST. The acquisition also unlocks immediate opportunities to increase margins by adding Blue Ant's owned library content, while reducing reliance on licensed or revenue-shared content. Additionally, operational efficiencies are expected from consolidating infrastructure and resources, as well as cross-promotion across brands.
The financial terms of the acquisition include a $6 million USD upfront cash payment, with the remaining $6 million USD payable over a two-year period. A portion of the remaining $6 million USD will be paid in cash, with the balance payable in either additional cash or subordinate voting shares of Blue Ant, at the discretion of the company's management.
Blue Ant Media is an international streamer, production studio, and rights-management business. The company operates a diverse portfolio of free streaming and pay TV channels internationally, including Love Nature, Cottage Life, Smithsonian Channel Canada, BBC Earth Canada, HauntTV, Homeful, and Love Pets, as well as the global SVOD service MagellanTV.
This acquisition marks Blue Ant Media's first strategic acquisition following its recent RTO, highlighting the company's commitment to driving growth through disciplined M&A.
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