Manchester-based CGI creative house Studio Liddell has been acquired by new technology start-up Immotion Group.
Immotion has been set up by tech and media entrepreneurs Martin Higginson and David Marks, whose successes include Netplay TV and Monstermob.
The company finalised a £1.3m investment to support plans to roll out virtual reality (VR) experience platforms across Europe and the US. It has also acquired Studio Liddell and Los Angeles-based filmmakers C2K.
Studio Liddell is a creator and producer of TV animation with a diverse portfolio that includes Ranger Rob, Cloudbabies, Roary The Racing Car, Let’s Play, Raa Raa The Noisy Lion, and Fifi & The Flowertots.
It will continue to create animated television and broadcast content from its offices in MediaCityUK.
“Being part of Immotion will strengthen our business as we also continue to produce award-winning animation for broadcasters and production companies around the world,” said managing director Tracy Liddell.
“We are working on some fascinating new children’s TV projects for 2018.”
Martin Higginson, CEO at Immotion Group, added: “The growing tech and media scene in Manchester is very exciting and is one reason we have based ourselves at MediaCityUK. Virtual reality has a big future with $4bn invested in it over the last two years. Our order book is already growing.
“Working closely with Tracy and the team at Studio Liddell, we can deliver the best VR motion platforms along with amazing immersive content which will allow people to escape reality.”
Jon Liddell and Andrew Jones, two of the original founders of Studio Liddell, have formed a new independent company, LiddellJones Ltd.
It will provide content for major corporates, advertising agencies and publishers.