Well, this is an interesting development.
Earlier today, Shout! Factory and Eleven Arts announced that they entered an entertainment distribution agreement. Through the multi-year deal, Shout! Factory will distribute “several new releases” from Eleven Arts’ catalog.
Shout! Factory CEOs Bob Emmer and Garson Foos commented on the agreement, stating:
We’re thrilled about his new agreement with Ko and ELEVEN ARTS. This is the start of a mutually beneficial relationship. We look forward to presenting their anime title to fans and collectors across many entertainment platforms.
Eleven Arts CEO Ko Mori also issued a statement, saying:
We are so excited to be working with our friends at Shout! Factory. They are an awesome group of anime fans, dedicated to bringing the best anime to North America. While we are still dedicated to the theatrical experience of anime, we understand that our fans want to watch our titles again and again. This partnership will help make that a reality.
At Otakon, Right Stuf announced that they entered a distribution agreement with Eleven Arts. At the time, the publisher stated that they would be the exclusive home video distributor for Eleven Arts. Haikara-San: Here Comes Miss Modern, as well as Laughing Under the Clouds Gaiden Parts 1 & 2 were confirmed as the first titled under the deal.
Source: Shout! Factory (Press Release)
Shout! Factory and Eleven Arts Enter Multi-Year Distribution Agreement – Samantha Ferreira