Scottish start-up Turtle Pack has secured a deal with ViacomCBS Consumer Products to launch a new swim aid based on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
The new product will provide in-pool support like the award-winning original, while also doubling up as a costume and toy.
Turtle Pack – which has already sold thousands of swimming aids around the world gaining high-profile fans including Sir Richard Branson – attracted the interest of ViacomCBS Consumer Products due to its innovative ‘turtle shell’ design.
“We loved the product development from the team at Turtle Pack,” said Mark Kingston, svp international licensing at ViacomCBS. “We are thrilled we are able to bring a product with real purpose to the market that can help kids get in the water, have fun and be active.”
Turtle Pack was created by Michael Harkins, a swimming teacher turned entrepreneur from Livingston, who completed prototype designs while studying for a Masters in Pharmaceutical Chemistry at Heriot-Watt University.
Michael commented: “My love of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles inspired me when I was creating the original Turtle Pack, so it feels like we’ve come full circle with this new product.”
“By working with the team at ViacomCBS Consumer Products, we hope the TMNT brand name will help encourage more young children to enjoy spending time in the pool, having fun while learning a lifelong skill for both their future health and safety. This agreement will support our company with greater brand recognition in global markets which is a phenomenal opportunity for a company at our stage of evolution.”
Dr Lena Wilson CBE, advisory board chair at Turtle Pack, continued: “For a Scottish start-up like Turtle Pack to be identified and welcomed as long-term partner by a multinational like ViacomCBS Consumer Products is a huge endorsement of both the company and the wider business ecosystem in Scotland. With the launch of the TMNT-licensed product, Turtle Pack has shown that big opportunities can come to small businesses.”
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