Saban Capital Group, in cooperation with Toei Company, the original Japanese creator of the Power Rangerstelevision show, has re-purchased the Power Rangers property from Disney Company, marking the return of the global franchise to its original developer, Haim Saban, who introduced the first series to North American audiences in 1993.

The acquisition includes worldwide rights to the brand as well as more than the 700 episodes of the series produced over the past 17 years. Power Rangers also marks the first property to be repped by newly launched Saban Brands, a subsidiary of Saban Capital Group, which was created to manage and license entertainment properties and consumer brands across media and consumer platforms.

Alongside the acquisition of the franchise, Saban Brands has forged a new, long-term master toy and video game license agreement with Power Rangers’ Bandai America Incorporated, which has been the toy partner for Power Rangers from the outset.

On the television side, Saban Brands affiliate SCG Power Rangers has Nickelodeon lined up as the US broadcast platform for the series, now heading into its 18th television season. The deal brings 20 new episodes of Power Rangers to Nickelodeon and Nicktoons in 2011. The catalogue of 700 episodes, meanwhile, will start airing on Nicktoons later this year.

Produced by SCG Power Rangers, a new season of the series will start production this summer with original executive producer Jonathan Tzachor back at the helm to lead a new cast, look and theme for the show.

To date, Power Rangers licensed products and promotions have generated more than US$5 billion at retail worldwide. Disney acquired the franchise in 2001 as part of its purchase of Fox Family Worldwide, which included Saban Entertainment and its library of children’s programs.