Entertainment One, which distributes the Peppa Pig children's cartoon, has bought Canadian media group Phase 4 Films for around £14.8 million as it looks to expand its North American operations.

Toronto-based Phase 4, which distributed the TV series The Vikings, The Borgias and The Tudors, generated sales of £28.4 million in the 12 months to the end of March having been founded by Berry Meyerowitz in 2009.

Patrice Théroux, who oversees eOne's global film business, said: "Phase 4 has a proven track record of success."