(Yicai Global) June 8 -- Alpha Group’s shares jumped after the Chinese animation and entertainment business said it and an affiliate have invested a combined CNY60 million (USD9.4 million) in the firm behind Infinity Studio, which makes collectible statues based on characters in animations, comics and games.

Guangzhou-based Alpha [SHE: 002292] closed 4.5 percent higher today at CNY6.59 (USD1.03). The benchmark Shenzhen Component Index lost almost 1 percent.

Infinity Studio’s operator, Qiku Network Technology, had a pre-investment valuation of CNY405 million (USD63.5 million), Alpha said in a statement yesterday.

Alpha paid CNY45 million for 9.7 percent of Shanghai-based Qiku Network and Fujian Aoji Enterprise Management Partnership, a firm under Alpha’s actual controller Cai Changqing, paid CNY15 million for 3.2 percent.

Founded in 2014, Infinity Studio is licensed to make products based on well-known intellectual property such as Evangelion, Naruto, Jagged Warrior, Dragon Ball, Justice League, and Bruce Lee. The workshop has also developed its own statues derived from Chinese culture.

Other Chinese art toy makers have also recently raised money. Last month, Yu Jia Liang Pin Shandong Art Design received tens of millions of Chinese yuan from Miniso.

Infinity Studio’s position as a leading player in China’s art toy sector will help them collaborate on IP acquisition, design, supply chain and access to consumer channels, Alpha said.

Alpha was set up in 1997 and owns many famous IPs, including animation series Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf, Super Wings and Balala the Fairies.

Infinity Studio had a net profit of CNY4.8 million (USD752,112.5) in the first quarter on revenue of CNY21.8 million. Revenue last year totaled CNY17 million, with a net profit of CNY2.7 million.

Editor: Peter Thomas