Anderson Merchandisers Goes Digital

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Anderson Merchandisers, one of the nation's leading distributors of prerecorded music, movies and books, is now a significant player in the digital world with the creation of Anderson Digital, L.L.C.

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121029/CL01516LOGO )

Anderson Digital, L.L.C., was launched with the acquisitions of SoPeachi Entertainment and Vanguard Cinema, two firms already well established in the digital content distribution and aggregation space. The LA-based Anderson Digital starts with a library of more than 5,000 TV shows and 1,000 feature films.  With these acquisitions, Anderson Digital launches with distribution capabilities in all segments of the digital marketplace, both domestically and internationally.  Anderson Digital will provide its content partners extensive reach and direct access to the leading digital, cable, and satellite, hotel, and mobile platforms. Current customers include not only the world's largest digital music provider, but also companies including Amazon, CinemaNow, Hulu, Netflix, Sony Entertainment Network, Toys"R"Us Movies, VUDU and Xbox Video.

"With the industry increasingly moving into the digital world, it is important to us to have a digital presence that can both complement and enhance our capabilities," said Anderson CEO Charlie Anderson.

Anderson Digital will be run by its Managing Partners, Freyr Thor and Steve Lyons. The company provides a full suite of digital content aggregation and distribution services including not only delivery and artwork, but also digital restoration, artwork, ingestion and transcoding.

Thor has more than 20 years experience in entertainment distribution. As the founder of Vanguard Cinema and a co-founder of SoPeachi Entertainment, he is recognized as an expert in emerging digital platforms. Thor holds degrees in both literature and creative media as well as an MBA. He grew Vanguard to an independent cinema leader with more than 1,000 distributed indie titles. He is also the founder of the Indie Talent Awards.

Lyons has more than 17 years of experience, much of it focused on distribution, business development and new venture launches. In addition to his role as co-founder of SoPeachi he was also the founder of GoGoPop, which provided development of an online and mobile video platform focusing on children. Lyons has served as a Senior Vice President at both Sony Picture's Home Entertainment and Ascent Media.  He holds a MBA degree from the University of Southern California.

"We are excited to extend Anderson Merchandisers' distribution and service capabilities to now include digital distribution to all the premium digital platforms, and to be working with Steve Lyons and Freyr Thor in continuing their great leadership in expanding our customer offerings," said Bill Lardie, President, Anderson Merchandisers.

"This is great news for current and potential customers," said Steve Lyons, Managing Partner of Anderson Digital. "This enhances our ability to provide unprecedented access to both digital and physical distribution allowing our content partners to get their shows to market through an ever growing number of platforms."

Anderson Digital Managing Partner Freyr Thor adds, "Bringing these three quality companies together under one umbrella makes us all stronger and better able to offer our clients service and value. We are all excited about the possibilities."

The new company also starts with excellent content partners including ARC Entertainment, Big Idea Entertainment, Classic Media, Mendelson/Paws Productions(Garfield and Friends), XLrator Media and 343 Industries/Microsoft Studios.

About Anderson Merchandisers, L.L.C.

Anderson Merchandisers, L.L.C., is one of the nation's largest distributors of pre-recorded music, movies, books and in-store marketing services.

A privately held company, Anderson Merchandisers, L.L.C., is an affiliate of Anderson Media, headquartered in Knoxville, TN, and established in 1917. The company has more than 5,800 associates across all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and Canada. 

About Anderson Digital, L.L.C.

Anderson Digital is an Los Angeles-based content distribution and management company representing more than 5,000 TV shows and 1,000 feature films. 

With years of studio experience in the digital and physical channels, the Anderson Digital team lends its high-level access and expertise to content creators and partners to maximize their distribution and brand reach. Anderson Digital's domestic and international distribution platform partners include internet, mobile, cable, airline and satellite channels.

Twitter: @AndersonDigEnt

CONTACT: Mike Cohen, Cohen Communications Group, +1-865-659-4750 cell, [email protected]

SOURCE Anderson Digital