Tim Anderson , President and CEO of Madman Anime Group, has confirmed with ANN that Aniplex Inc. has invested in the company. Madman Entertainment management agreed to issue additional shares in its company on November 15, and provided a minority interest to Aniplex Inc. Anderson told ANN he could not disclose the financial details of the deal.

Anderson clarified that Madman's other shareholders continue to hold their shares in the company, and Madman's management remains unchanged.

Anderson also told ANN that Aniplex is "highly supportive of Madman's current strategic direction and activities working with a broad range of anime properties and license partners." He added that Aniplex also supports Madman's other newer activities, such as " VOD business ( AnimeLab ), theatrical activity, and the recent expansion into events including Madman Anime Festival."

Anderson also gave this statement regarding possible changes in the company:

...We don't expect any changes to Madman's broad strategy and direction as a result of Aniplex Inc. becoming one of our shareholders. Madman will continue to strive to be the #1 distributor of anime related products and services in Australia and New Zealand.

ANN also asked Anderson if Madman's release strategy would change for Aniplex titles to mirror Aniplex USA 's release model. "We currently don't anticipate Madman's pricing strategy will change as a result of this," Anderson said, adding "product strategy, dates, package inclusions, extras, etc. are continually evolving here at Madman, as we strive to deliver the best value and results to both our audience and our content partners."

Madman operates in and distributes videos across Australia and New Zealand. Anderson and Paul Wiegard established the company in 1996. Funtastic Limited acquired the company in 2006, but decided to sell the company in 2014. Anderson and Weigard bought back the company from Funtastic Limited later that year, and the company remains independent.

Madman also runs the AnimeLab streaming website, which it launched in 2014. The company launched the Madman Anime Festival in 2016, and it has hosted the event Melbourne, Perth, and Brisbane. Madman will host the festival this year in all three cities.

Madman also distributes world cinema, Australian films, other children's content, and television content aside from anime.