U.K.-based Entertainment Rights Plc has signed an exclusive distribution deal with Rhino Home Video for the North American home video and DVD distribution rights to Hasbro's TRANSFORMERS ARMADA animated TV series. Previously, Entertainment Rights secured the international television, and video and DVD rights to the series. The company announced the sale of the show to more than 70 countries, including Sky One and GMTV in the U.K., Teletoon in France, Cartoon Network and Telecinco in Spain, Fox Kids in Italy and Cartoon Network in Australia. The series currently airs in the U.S. on Cartoon Network.
Mike Heap, ceo of Entertainment Rights, said, "This key U.S. contract with Rhino further highlights our ability to work closely with global companies and builds on the global success that we have already had with Hasbro's TRANSFORMERS ARMADA brand. Additionally, this deal demonstrates our focus of building our business in the major market of North America as we strategically position our properties with key broadcast, video and consumer product partners."
Jane Ritson-Parsons, president of the Hasbro Properties Group, added, "We have been thrilled by the global popularity of the TRANSFORMERS brand and Entertainment Rights has done a fabulous job of bringing our programming to fans in Europe and Australia. Rhino Home Video is the ideal choice for North America and will build upon their success with the original TRANSFORMERS video series through TRANSFORMERS ARMADA."
Entertainment Rights is a leading international media group specializing in the ownership, development, distribution and merchandising of children's and family programming, characters and brands. Entertainment Rights portfolio of characters includes Postman Pat, Basil Brush and Merlin the Magical Puppy.
The Hasbro Properties Group develops and expands Hasbro Inc.'s brands, such as G.I. JOE, TRANSFORMERS, MY LITTLE PONY, MONOPOLY and CANDYLAND, across the entertainment and consumer markets.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
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