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Galleon Holdings plc, the AIM-listed intellectual property producer and distributor of family entertainment multiplatform properties, has today inked its first distribution deal in the US with major toy manufacturer and marketer Zizzle Toys, the worldwide master toy licensee for Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean franchise among others, for hit animated comedy-action series Skunk fu!. The US distribution deal, brokered by Galleon Holdings’ Licensing Agency in North America, The Sharpe Company, Inc., comes on the heels of Skunk Fu!’s high ratings on major US kids network Cartoon Network US where it airs up to three times a day and the show’s US premiere on CW Television Network’s top-rated US Saturday morning Kids’ WB! animation block with strong ratings since September 2007. “Skunk fu! has been getting strong TV ratings in the US on two leading broadcasters and we are delighted to be working with a partner of Zizzle’s calibre in the Toy category,” said Stephen Green, CEO of Galleon Holdings plc. “We’re thrilled to have been chosen to bring Skunk fu to the U.S. The success the television show has had on the Cartoon Network right out of the blocks is unprecedented. The characters and comedic play lend themselves to a long term franchise opportunity. We’re confident that pairing Zizzle’s product and Marketing expertise, The Sharpe Company’s stellar licensing and Croco’s product, we are creating a recipe for success,” said Roger Shiffman, Zizzle President and CEO. The Skunk fu! toyline has been developed by Croco Worldwide, Galleon’s toy division, and was launched at the New York Licensing Show with Sharpe. Zizzle will have the exclusive rights to distribute Skunk fu! toy merchandise line in the US where it currently manufactures and distributes toys in partnership with such licensors including Disney, Nickelodeon, Marvel, HIT, WB and more. “Zizzle is an anchor partner in the development of the licensing program for Skunk fu!” said Charlie Day, President of the Sharpe Company. “We are in active discussions with book publishers, interactive game manufacturers, back-to-school, apparel and gift companies.” Skunk Fu! (52 x 13') aimed at 6 - 12 year old children, follows the adventures of a skunk accidentally dropped into China. Skunk is a gifted student, but his boldness keeps getting him into dangerous, but hilarious and sometimes smelly adventures! Skunk has to learn the mysteries of Kung Fu from a wise old Panda, so that he can help the resistance to fight the evil Black Dragon and his army of Ninja Monkeys. The animated TV series is a Cartoon Saloon, Cake Entertainment and Telegael co-production for TG4 (Ireland) and SUPER RTL (Germany). All audiovisual exploitation rights are controlled by Cake Distribution and all licensing and merchandising rights (excluding Germany) are controlled by Galleon Plc. Both Cake Entertainment and Galleon Plc are equity owners in the Skunk Fu! property. The series has already been sold by TV distribution partner Cake Entertainment in over 100 territories worldwide. Galleon Entertainment will be one of more than 200 European exhibitors showcasing thousands of exciting new licenses at Brand Licensing Europe in London, 1-2 October. For more information, please click here. |
