4Kids Entertainment Teams up With American Greetings
Posted on: 19/12/2006
NEW YORK, Nov. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- 4Kids Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE:KDE) , a global provider of children's entertainment and merchandise licensing, has entered into a multi-year licensing agreement with the American Greetings Corporation (NYSE:AM) to develop a line of social expression products for the hot new kids property Viva Pinata that includes party goods, greeting cards, gift wrap and gift bags, stickers, and Christmas ornaments with initial products launching in Fall 2007. Through the deal, American Greetings joins master toy licensee Playmates to launch 4Kids' comprehensive licensing program for the Viva Pinata property.
A hit with kids since its September series premiere on 4Kids TV(TM) (Fox affiliates nationwide), Viva Pinata chronicles the zany (mis)adventures of 60 different pinata species or "animbassadors" -- most of who dream of leaving Pinata Island to entertain blindfolded party goers worldwide. Thanks to the series' colorful characters, witty banter and vibrant animation, the animated series -- produced by 4Kids Entertainment and Bardel Entertainment -- has emerged as one of the fall season's must-see shows for children aged 6 to 11.
Due out this November from Microsoft Game Studios and Rare. Ltd, creators of the Viva Pinata franchise, is a videogame for the Xbox 360 entertainment system. Viva Pinata for the Xbox 360 invites gamers to create their own environment, where they can attract and host more than 60 species of wild pinatas and customize pinata-filled adventures in their unique, ever-growing world. Viva Pinata game play will continue to evolve with new content available via the Xbox Live(R) network and the ability to play, trade, and interact with more than three million gamers via the online gaming and entertainment network.
"We're thrilled that American Greetings has joined the Viva Pinata 'party' with products that tap right into the fun-loving spirit of the property," said Alfred R. Kahn, chairman and chief executive officer of 4Kids Entertainment. "Viva Pinata party goods are essential to conveying the essence of the brand."
"American Greetings is very excited to be partnering with 4Kids Entertainment in marketing social expression products supporting Viva Pinata. The storyline, characters, environment, and interactive play of Viva Pinata really captures the essence of what social expression products deliver for that very special birthday event in a child's life," said Michael Brown, vice president of licensing for American Greetings. "Viva Pinata party goods, greeting cards, gift wrap, and gift bags will help make birthdays and celebrations an even more memorable experience. We view Viva Pinata as a long term brand with huge appeal that kids will love and parents support."
About 4Kids Entertainment
Headquartered in New York City with international offices in London, 4Kids Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE:KDE) is a global provider of children's entertainment and merchandise licensing. 4Kids, through its wholly owned subsidiaries, provides domestic and international merchandise licensing; television, film, music and home video production and distribution; media planning and buying; product development and Web site development. For further information, please visit the Company's Web sites at http://www.4kidsentertainment.com/ and http://www.4kids.tv/.
About American Greetings
American Greetings Corporation (NYSE:AM) is one of the world's largest manufacturers of social expression products. Along with greeting cards, its product lines include gift wrap, party goods, candles, stationery, calendars, educational products, ornaments and electronic greetings. American Greetings is also the creator and owner of many celebrated character properties, including Strawberry Shortcake and Care Bears. Located in Cleveland, Ohio, American Greetings generates annual net sales of approximately $1.9 billion. For more information on the Corporation, visit http://corporate.americangreetings.com/.
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