Cartoon Network Enterprises is the global branding and merchandising arm of the big CN, is charged with building consumer product franchises for Cartoon Network. Their devotion to the Ben 10 property is witnessed in their talented licensing of the animated television series and its characters to various design groups for some pretty cool clothing, shoes and action figures. The safe arrival of some exquisite bedding and activity products, successful action figures and other apparel (i.e. t-shirts, running shoes, long-sleeves) has made Ben 10 fans quite happy this past calendar year. In recent news from Cartoon Network, more softline deals have been inked by Cartoon Network Enterprises. FAB/Starpoint, a key manufacturer of bags and stationary has agreed to help push the Ben 10 property further into the homes of anxious television viewers.
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The agreement looks to cover a full line of products in relation to FAB/Starpoint's talent for creating interesting backpacks, accessories, school supplies, watches and clocks under a multi-year agreement that will have product in store for the back-to-school season. The success of Ben 10 as a consumer product franchise only builds as more and more deals get inked. The 2007-year, will have some of the most interesting Ben 10 products as necessary as the back-to-school shopping may be from time to time. CNE's agreement follows a series of softlines partnerships announced in December that included home furnishings from Jay Franco, headwear from Accessory Innovations and sleepwear from American Marketing Enterprises, Inc. Ben 10 apparel and footwear are also available from ODM and SGI Footwear.
"Back to School is a key time period for the softlines business, and we are glad to have our #1 boys' property, Ben 10, hitting retail shelves with fashion forward products for 2007," Christina Miller, VP of US Consumer Products for Cartoon Network Enterprises stated. "By partnering with FAB/Starpoint we know we will have strong, quality products in these categories as our fans head back to class."
Cartoon Network Enterprises has also signed a deal (in a separate matter) to help create more toys for Ben 10 through additional product licensing. Working with Pressman Toys, CNE hopes to get some really cool games and puzzles based on the incredibly popular action and adventure animated television series onto store shelves and into the homes of Ben 10 fans. A multiple-year agreement, Pressman Toys will make products related to the property that will wonderfully mesh in the plethora of toys, action figures and other uniquely designed materials based on the animated property.
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"Pressman Toys has a strong track record creating innovative, well-designed action-adventure games for the boys market," Christina Miller commented with regards to the complimentary presence the agreement with Pressman Toys would have on the property's product licensing. "And we knew they would be a good fit for Ben 10, our top-rated action-adventure series."
"We are tremendously excited about working with Cartoon Network and its brightest new star Ben 10," Jim Pressman, President of Pressman Toy Corporation stated, "We are creating breakthrough game play in both the board game and DVD gaming areas, as well as, creating exciting 3D puzzles. This line looks awesome and the trade reaction has been super."
Ben 10, which follows the adventures of a 10-year-old boy with the capability to turn into tens of thousands of alien heroes, debuted at #1 in its time period on basic cable for delivery with boys 6-11 and 9-14 and recent data shows that it has increased delivery since its launch by 50%. (Cartoon Network research from Nielson Media Research Data).
About FAB/Starpoint: FAB/Starpoint is a multi-classification accessory licensee and private label manufacturer offering products for children, tweens, juniors and adults. With its contemporary adult and junior licenses including CBGB, along with popular children's and tween licenses such as Ben 10, stuff by hilary duff, Disney, Hello Kitty, Tony Hawk, Spiderman, and Looney Tunes, FAB/Starpoint stands as a market leader supplying quality product to mass, mid-tier, department and specialty stores.
About Pressman Toys: Pressman Toy Corporation (www.PressmanToy.com), a leading game manufacturer in the United States, was founded in 1922. One of the first companies in the industry to begin licensing popular characters and content for toys and games, Pressman has created games and puzzles based on Scooby-Doo, The Simpsons, as well as Deal or No Deal, Who Wants to Be A Millionaire, Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune. Pressman has also released many strong brands that consumers have enjoyed for generations: Rummikub, MASTERMIND and Tri-Ominos.
About Cartoon Network Enterprises: Cartoon Network Enterprises (CNE), the global branding and merchandising arm of Cartoon Network, is charged with building consumer product franchises for Cartoon Network, its brands and characters from the channel's growing library of award-winning, original programming. CNE also works to secure and support long-term licensee partnerships across all key merchandising categories. The division currently offers consumer product programs for an array of animation franchises including Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends, Ben 10, The Powerpuff Girls, Ed, Edd n Eddy, Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi, My Gym Partner's a Monkey, Camp Lazlo, The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy, Adult Swim and more.
About Cartoon Network: Cartoon Network (CartoonNetwork.com), currently seen in more than 91 million U.S. homes and 160 countries around the world, is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.'s ad-supported cable service offering the best in original, acquired and classic animated entertainment for kids and families. Overnight from 11 p.m.-6 a.m. (ET, PT) Sunday-Thursday, Cartoon Network shares its channel space with Adult Swim, a late-night destination showcasing original and acquired animation for young adults 18-34. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, is a major producer of news and entertainment product around the world and the leading provider of programming for the basic cable industry.