CN extends Canadian pact, household brands worldwide

Nelvana will continue to be the exclusive merch agent in Canada for Cartoon Network brands, which are slated to grow globally with new licensing partners.

June 20, 2016

Turner’s Cartoon Network has extended its partnership with Corus Entertainment in Canada through a new multi-year broadcast and merchandise deal.

The agreement will see Corus-owned children’s content producer and distributor Nelvana become the exclusive Canadian merchandising agent for Cartoon Network brands, which include The Powerpuff Girls, Adventure Time, Steven Universe and Ben 10.

With Powerpuff Girls branded toys from master toy licensee Spin Master slated to arrive this fall, Cartoon Network Enterprises has expanded the girl-skewing brand’s portfolio to feature a worldwide licensing program comprised of more than 30 licensing partners in the US alone.

The new Powerpuff Girls animated series from Cartoon Network Studios, which premiered globally in April, has inspired Funko to create collectibles and home items, as well as backpacks and lunch bags from Accessory Innovations, Consumer electronics will also be offered from Sakar International.

Cartoon Network’s portfolio also includes the relaunch of Ben 10 in Europe and Asia this fall and across the Americas in spring 2017. As such, Playmates Toys—the global master toy partner for Ben 10—will introduce figures, playsets, role play items and more in fall 2017.

Cartoon Network has also announced new licensing partners for Adventure Time, Steven Universe and Rick and Morty.

DC Shoes will be offering Adventure Time adult and children’s footwear, outerwear and snowboards, while Insight Editions will introduce a four-title library collection and cookbook set to hit shelves in October.

Meanwhile, Astro Gaming will debut headphone speaker tags for Adventure Time, Steven Universe and Rick and Morty this year.