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Funimation Restructures with Layoffs in Several Departments (Update 2)

posted on by Egan Loo
Anime distributor's last reported round of layoffs was in July 2007

ANN has confirmed that at least two employees were laid off from the North American anime distributor Funimation yesterday. Funimation's last reported round of layoffs was in July 2007 when it cut its staff by about 10%. ANN is awaiting an official comment on yesterday's layoffs from Funimation.

Another anime distributor, Geneon Entertainment (USA), laid off most of its sales and marketing positions and stopped in-house distribution of its licenses in September 2007. A.D. Vision, the corporate parent of the anime distributor ADV Films, laid off 13 employees in October 2007.

Update: Funimation has issued the following statement:

We can confirm that FUNimation Entertainment has completed a company-wide restructuring that includes staffing reductions in several departments.

"This decision was not taken lightly and thoughtful consideration was given as to how this move would affect our customers, vendors and employees," said Gen Fukunaga, president and CEO of FUNimation Entertainment. "However, we must anticipate and adapt to the current economic climate. This action is expected to streamline our processes as we manage our business for long-term growth."

The staff reductions were made to the support infrastructure and does not affect the production or acquisitions of titles. FUNimation will continue to acquire the best titles from Japan and has several strategic alliances and acquisitions yet to announce.

Update 2: As part of its required Securities and Exchange Commission filings, Funimation's corporate parent Navarre Corporation reported on Tuesday that it had terminated the employment of its chief operating officer, Brian Burke, in the previous day as part of its "previously-announced restructuring and workforce reduction." Thanks, dynasore.


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