Cartoon Network increases India footprint
Cartoon Network Enterprises, the consumer products division of the number one kids’ channel in India, Cartoon Network, announced the launch of ‘Beyblade’ toys in India, thus marking its foray into third-party licensing. Following the recent May launch of Cartoon Network consumer products, managing third party licensing is the second strategic business announcement of the year by Cartoon Network Enterprises in India. As the India representative of Beyblade-Japan, Cartoon Network Enterprises has appointed Funskool as the key retailer, producer and distributor of these toys in India. Premiered on Cartoon Network on 20 May, Beyblade has already captured the imagination of Indian kids and consistently rates 1+ on the Network.
In sync with the global popularity and demand of Beyblade products, the Beyblade toys have wave in the Indian market. "Cartoon Network has always been at the forefront of bringing novel concepts to Indian kids and Beyblade toys will be yet another effort to drive the popularity of our characters outside the realm of Television", said Jiggy George, Director, Cartoon Network Enterprises, India and South Asia. He further added, "I am very excited about this launch, as this is the first time that Cartoon Network Enterprises is foraying into third party licensing and as the year progresses we will be announcing more such strategic tie-ups."
Having its origins in ancient Japanese spinning top Bei Goma, the Beyblade is a cutting edge sports entertainment brand targeted at young boys. Beyblading combines a heady mix of adrenalin and strategy, to give the player an exciting, fun-filled experience coupled with an element of learning. To cater to the huge demand across segments, the toys have been very competitively priced keeping all pockets in mind. Priced between Rs 149-349, the Beyblade toys are available in different assortments.
Cartoon Network Enterprises, a division of Cartoon Network, works towards driving long-term value for the Network and its properties such as The Powerpuff Girls, Dexter’s Laboratory, Johnny Bravo and Codename kids next door. The division specifically is responsible for setting up new businesses leveraging the equity of the characters via Consumer products, Promotional licensing, Home videos, Interactive games, Publishing and Music. Beyblade is the first third-party licensing deal of Cartoon Network.
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