OverDrive, the market leading digital reading platform for libraries and schools, has announced that it is acquiring Kanopy, a popular video streaming service for public and academic libraries. Terms of the acquisition were not announced.
The acquisition of Kanopy adds an extensive video catalog to the OverDrive platform, with some 30,000 films available to students and library users through the Kanopy platform, including iconic films produced by A24, Criterion Collection, Paramount, PBS and Kino Lorber. The move is yet another major move for OverDrive, which in June of last year acquired the library assets of RBmedia, just weeks after OverDrive itself was acquired by investment firm KKR.
In a release, Kanopy and OverDrive officials said more details would be forthcoming as the two companies explore how to best leverage their "complementary" content and technologies.
“Kanopy’s impressive catalog of films, shorts, children’s videos and documentaries will enhance options for all institutions to delight viewers of all ages,” said Steve Potash, founder and CEO of OverDrive. “The Kanopy apps and streaming viewing experience are excellent services to further benefit our network of public libraries and academic partners.”
“Kanopy is thrilled to join the OverDrive family,” added Kanopy CEO Kevin Sayar. “The Kanopy team is excited to bring our passion for film to further our shared goal of helping libraries provide access to valuable media resources that promote lifelong learning.”
