The Pokémon Company International has also become strategic investor in toy company.
Wicked Cool Toys has been named as the master toy licensee for the Pokémon brand.
The deal means that the company has the rights to manufacture and market action figures, play-sets, plush, role-play lines and other toys based on the animated series worldwide (excluding regions in Asia where the brand is managed by The Pokémon Company).
In addition, The Pokémon Company International has also become a strategic investor in Wicked Cool Toys and will have a seat on the board of directors.
“Toys are a major part of Pokémon’s mission to bring the fun and joy of the brand to kids and fans around the world, and we’re excited to welcome Wicked Cool Toys to the Pokémon family as its master toy licensee,” said Colin Palmer, vp of marketing and licensing at The Pokémon Company International.
“Wicked Cool Toys is a growing company, and we’re thrilled to build a strategic partnership with them through both collaboration and financial investment.”
Michael Rinzler, co-president of Wicked Cool Toys, added: “Pokémon is one of the most beloved entertainment properties in the world, and Wicked Cool Toys is thrilled to become part of that legacy.”
TOMY will continue to be a key licensing partner for the Pokémon brand and will produce select items, as well as products inspired by Pokémon video games, such as the popular Pokémon Z-Ring, which interacts with Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon, currently available for the Nintendo 3DS family of systems.
The first products from Wicked Cool Toys are expected to arrive from autumn 2018.
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