Through an email correspondence on 13th August, Friday Crunchyroll confirmed with Anime News Network that Ellation’s VRV bundle streaming service is also a part of Sony following Sony’s Funimation Global Group’s acquisition of Crunchyroll from AT&T.

Sony Pictures Entertainment and AT&T announced on Monday that Sony’s Funimation Global Group has completed its acquisition of Crunchyroll from AT&T at the price of US$1.175 billion. This amount was paid in cash while the deal was closing.

The announcement did not reveal how or if the individual streaming platforms would merge or plans for subscription costs for users.

Crunchyroll’s own announcement reads,

“The two brands you know and love will be working together, and we believe this is a great thing for fans and the industry, alike! Both teams are knowledgeable, passionate, and have been committed to the anime community for decades. We couldn’t ask for better partners.

Kenichiro Yoshida, chairman, president and CEO of Sony Group Corporation commented on the merger,

“We are very excited to welcome Crunchyroll to the Sony Group. Anime is a rapidly growing medium that enthralls and inspires emotion among audiences around the globe. The alignment of Crunchyroll and Funimation will enable us to get even closer to the creators and fans who are the heart of the anime community. We look forward to delivering even more outstanding entertainment that fills the world with emotion through anime.”

VRV is a subscription bundle that includes anime streaming service Crunchyroll as well as several other streaming services, including Cartoon Hangover, Rooster Teeth, and Mondo. The service used to include Funimation until November 2018, following an announcement that Crunchyroll and FUNimation Entertainment would end their partnership to share content. VRV added the HIDIVE streaming service’s content in November 2018.

Source: ANN