Chicken Soup's Redbox Buy to Create DTC Platform for 'Value-Conscious' Users

Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, owner of the Crackle video streaming service, agreed to buy Redbox Entertainment in a deal designed around scale, said the companies Wednesday. The combination will create an “independent, integrated direct-to-consumer media platform delivering premium entertainment for value conscious consumers,” they said. The combined company will have Redbox’s 38,000-plus kiosks, digital capabilities in ad-based, transactional and premium video-on-demand and free, ad-supported streaming TV channels, plus access to a 40-million Redbox Perks member list. The companies will build a “fully developed AVOD and FAST streaming business: proven branded streaming services, formidable content and production capabilities, and a strong AVOD and FAST ad sales operation,” said Chicken Soup CEO William Rouhana. Redbox CEO Galen Smith said the purchase will “accelerate Redbox’s transition from a physical to high growth digital media company.” Ad spending on connected TV platforms grew 57% from 2020 to 2021 and is expected to grow another 39% this year, they said, citing Interactive Advertising Bureau figures. The deal, valued at $375 million, includes $50 million in Chicken Soup stock and the assumption of $325 million in Redbox debt. Upon closing, expected in the second half, Chicken Soup for the Soul stockholders will own about 76.5% of the combined company, Redbox stockholders 23.5%, they said.