As Milan-based Atlantyca Entertainment looks to extend its publishing reach across the globe, it’s turned to China to expand its copyright exchange initiatives in the territory.

Regional manager Shaohua Wang will helm the new Beijing office, overseeing daily operations for new biz development activities and focusing on publishing and translation rights internationally.

Seeking out translation rights agreements for a number of kidlit titles from Italian publishers, such as the Edizioni Piemme and Mondadori Group, are among the first priorities for the new venture.

And since the announcement was made at the Beijing Book Fair last month, Atlantyca has already secured five initial translation rights contracts, which include Cryptoanimals by Alberto Melis, acquired by Zheijiang Education Publishing House and the Century book series written by Pierdomenico Baccalario and acquired by 21st Century Publishing (it’s also on board for select Geronimo Stilton books).