Plans to develop new content for all platforms and consumer products for new generation of fans.
Viacom has acquired Paws, Inc – a move which brings the Garfield brand into the Nickelodeon portfolio.
Viacom has acquired the global IP rights to Garfield and the US Acres franchises including corresponding rights related to content, consumer products and location-based experiences.
Following the completion of the acquisition – which is expected to close in the upcoming weeks – Nickelodeon will develop a new Garfield animated TV series.
Global merchandising rights to Garfield will be managed by Viacom Nickelodeon Consumer Products including the property’s existing portfolio of licensees. Garfield creator Jim Davis will continue to produce the Garfield syndicated comic strip.
“This acquisition marks another step in our evolution toward being kids’ first stop for the best new content and characters, so we’re incredibly happy to have Garfield join our growing roster of globally loved franchises and to introduce this cool cat to a new generation of fans,” said Brian Robbins, Nickelodeon president.
Pam Kaufman, president of VNCP, added: “Garfield is a global evergreen franchise that is a natural fit with Nickelodeon and our portfolio of iconic properties.
“With fans around the globe that span both kids and adults, we are excited to ignite Garfield into a multi-generational consumer products juggernaut and further deliver on VNCP’s ‘Every Age, Every Aisle’ mission.”
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