A merger between A Squared Entertainment and Genius Brands has resulted in the creation of a multimedia and brand management company under the current Genius Brands International, which will be helmed by Andy Heyward and a consortium of kids media, entertainment and finance execs.

The educational-based content will target preschoolers to tweens and will be delivered in multiple formats around the world. A Squared, with its relationships throughout the international broadcast community, will bring Genius Brands’ content to the global IP marketplace. In turn, Genius Brands’ direct distribution channels for both multimedia content and consumer products in the US will enable the company to reach incremental consumers outside of the traditional broadcast and retail marketplaces.

Andy Heyward, formerly CEO of DIC Entertainment and co-president of A Squared Entertainment, will assume the role of Chairman and CEO of Genius Brands International. Amy Moynihan Heyward, formerly co-president of A Squared Entertainment, will serve as president. Klaus Moeller, currently CEO of Genius, will become Genius Brands VP of Special Markets, and will continue with the company as a member of its Board of Directors.

Also populating the new Genius Brands International Board of Directors will be former California Governor Gray Davis, Jeff Weiss, president and COO of American Greetings Corporation, Lynne Segall, publisher and SVPof The Hollywood Reporter, Will McDonough, founding partner of Atlas Merchant Capital, and Bernard Cahill, co-founder of ROAR.

Brands such as Stan Lee’s Mighty Seven and Warren Buffett`s Secret Millionaires Club, as well as the popular Baby Genius line of musical toys, are among the  products that Genius Brands International will deliver. On top of producing original content with subject matter experts, the company will develop interactive digital entertainment in all formats including broadcast, online, mobile, tablets and more. A comprehensive consumer products program will be created to extend the learning into other areas.