Press Release from 4Kids Entertainment International

Among the hit brands being presented is Yu-Gi-Oh! - the global phenomenon that boasts millions of fans across the world and has inspired several hit TV shows and a series of best-selling trading card games. Currently celebrating its tenth anniversary, the franchise is more popular than ever, with the latest series, Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D’s broadcasting across Europe along with the previous generations Yu-Gi-Oh! and Yu-Gi-Oh! GX. A brand new series, Yu-Gi-Oh! ZEXAL, is set to launch across the continent soon, whilst a movie, Yu-Gi-Oh! 3D: Bonds Beyond Time, was successfully released earlier this year. An extensive licensing programme covers sectors such as toys, video games, apparel, costumes, calendars, publishing, BTS, stationery, games and puzzles and trading card accessories. The popularity of Yu-Gi-Oh! has been boosted even further by the recent launch of a new global web hub – www.yugioh.com – where fans can read about their favourite characters, download exclusive wallpaper and screensavers and find out about all the latest Yu-Gi-Oh! merchandise and games.

Another exciting 4Kids property at BLE 2011 will be Max Adventures – a popular kids’ brand aimed at 6-10 year olds that features Max the Lion and is currently making a mark across Europe. A TV show has been snapped up by key European broadcasters and a Max Adventures ice cream range is proving extremely popular and is available through retail, restaurants and leisure parks in most European markets, supported by Max-branded POS materials. This presence is being bolstered by marketing activities including print and TV ads, DVD promotions, online cooperations, and costume character appearances and themed activities at leisure parks and outdoor events. The brand is also promoted through digital channels, with a seeding strategy targeting children’s websites and video streaming pages such as YouTube. Additionally,, a dedicated Max Adventures website has launched across Europe and is adapted for each market in which the brand is present, featuring games, activities and a sing-along animation. 4Kids is acting as a brand consultant for the property and is currently exploring a number of potential categories for licensing, including publishing, collectibles, promotions, mobile applications, digital content and accessories, stationery, BTS and amusement park attractions.

4Kids will also be presenting Dinosaur King – the popular animated series that chronicles the adventures of Max, Rex and Zoe, known as the ‘D Team’, who search the world for dinosaur cards that have the power to bring dinosaurs back to life. The show is broadcast across EMEA, enabling 4Kids to build a strong and varied licensing programme. Publishing has been a particularly successful category for the property and partners include Signature Publishing and Egmont. Other sectors represented include stationery, apparel, toys, collectibles, confectionary, BTS, homeware, gifts, novelties and sporting goods, whilst Quick recently used Dinosaur King in a promotion across its chain of European fast-food restaurants.