Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products and JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (NASDAQ:JAKK) have inked a domestic-based master toy licensing agreement to create toys and related products based on Nickelodeon's hit series SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS. JAKKS Pacific plans to launch the line in 2008 with collectible micro-figures and plush products based on characters from the series. The agreement also covers playsets, preschool toys, youth electronics, water toys, novelty items and more.
Launched in July 1999, SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS has emerged as one of the most popular series in kids' television history. For the last six years, the show has been the number-one animated program with kids 2-11. Approximately 64.5 million viewers tune into the show each month including a massive base of adult fans (Source: Nielsen Cume Data - July 2007.) At retail, SpongeBob SquarePants is a consumer favorite, achieving over $6.3 billion in retail sales to date.
