Animaj and Studio 100 International have announced a strategic alliance that makes them joint owners of the legendary Maya the Bee franchise.
Under the agreement, Animaj has acquired all of Studio 100’s rights outside the DACH (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) and Benelux regions, excluding feature film and theme park rights, which remain with Studio 100 International.
The two companies will combine their strengths to further elevate Maya the Bee. Animaj will focus on expanding the brand’s digital and international footprint—from international licensing and digital engagement to new digital and premium content experiences—while Studio 100 will concentrate on the DACH and Benelux regions, spearhead new theatrical movie productions, and bring Maya even closer to global audiences in Studio 100’s theme parks. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
This collaboration comes as Maya celebrates her 50th year on screen—at a time when beloved legacy IPs are being rediscovered and reimagined for new generations. By combining Studio 100’s track record in world-class storytelling with Animaj’s digital-first, AI-powered capabilities, the partnership aims to expand Maya’s presence across new platforms, formats, and audiences globally.
Bridging Generations with a Shared Vision
For decades, Maya the Bee has been a cherished figure across Europe and beyond—a symbol of nature, kindness, and independence. The brand enjoys enduring popularity across television, publishing, and consumer products, with a presence in over 100 countries.
This new alliance is grounded in a shared ambition: to preserve the heart of Maya, while evolving how and where her stories are told—from linear TV to YouTube, short-form video, music, games, and more.
Martin Krieger, CEO, Studio 100 International & Hans Bourlon, CEO, Studio 100 Group, said:
“We’ve always believed in Maya’s universal appeal—and this year, as she turns 50 on screen, it feels like the right moment to bring new energy to the brand. This partnership with Animaj allows us to do that in a way that feels both respectful and forward-looking.”
“Maya the Bee is part of Europe’s cultural fabric. We grew up with her. Now we want to make sure the next generation meets her in the places they spend most of their time today” said Gregory Dray & Sixte de Vauplane, Co-founders, Animaj.
A New Model for Brand Building in Children’s Entertainment
This alliance reflects a long-term commitment from both companies to grow Maya the Bee through a shared strategic vision.
Animaj will lead digital strategy, series content development, and international expansion. Studio 100 will retain full responsibility for the development, production, and international sales of all Maya the Bee feature films, such as the new spin-off Arnie & Barney, and will continue overseeing the brand in global theme parks, in German-speaking countries, and in the Benelux region.
United by a shared passion for storytelling and innovation, Animaj and Studio 100 will jointly drive the creative evolution of Maya the Bee, setting the stage for her to inspire and delight audiences worldwide for decades to come. They will also leverage Animaj’s proprietary AI-powered production pipeline to deliver scalable, platform-native content at speed and quality.
Built on a long-standing relationship, this alliance is anchored in a shared belief: by evolving how her stories are told—and where they are found—Maya the Bee can remain one of the most respected and relevant children’s IPs for the next 50 years.
Together, Studio 100 and Animaj are setting the stage for Maya to connect more meaningfully with millions of children and families worldwide, with more announcements to come in the next few months.
