LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Saban Brands today announced that it has extended agreements with Nickelodeon and Bandai America Incorporated through 2016 for its globally recognized Power Rangers franchise. Nickelodeon and Saban Brands initiated their strategic partnership when Saban re-acquired the Power Rangers brand in 2010 and re-launched the television series with Power Rangers Samurai in 2011. The extension confirms additional seasons of original Power Rangers programming on Nickelodeon through 2016. Additionally, after more than 20 years since the brand’s introduction of the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Bandai will continue to act as the global master toy licensee for the Power Rangers franchise.
"Our partnership with Nickelodeon has been instrumental in maintaining the popularity of the Power Rangers brand and introducing the series to a new generation of kids,” said Elie Dekel, President of Saban Brands. “Furthermore, our Power Rangers partnership with Bandai has remained strong throughout the past two decades as they continue to develop new products that kids love around the world. We are thrilled to extend the agreements with both Bandai and Nickelodeon, and look forward to continuing these strong partnerships for years to come.”
“Our strategic partnership with Saban Brands has proven to be a success with our Nickelodeon audience and we are delighted to continue our collaboration with such an established leader in kids’ entertainment,” said Pam Kaufman, Chief Marketing Officer and President of Consumer Products, Nickelodeon Group. “Together, we look forward to delivering more action-packed adventures from this globally recognized franchise.”
“Bandai America is incredibly proud to have played a key role in the global success of the Power Rangers over the past 20 years,” said Akihiro Sato, CEO of Bandai America Incorporated. “Bandai strives to deliver the most innovative and action-packed toys, and we are excited to continue that great tradition for years to come with the powerful support of Saban Brands and Nickelodeon.”
Saban’s Power Rangers Megaforce, the 20th anniversary season, currently airs on Nickelodeon Saturdays at 1:00 p.m. (ET/PT). The upcoming installment of the television series, Power Rangers Super Megaforce, will premiere in early 2014.
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About Saban’s Power Rangers
Saban’s Power Rangers franchise is the brainchild of Haim Saban, creator and producer of the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers hit series that launched in 1993. Following its introduction, Power Rangers quickly became the most-watched children’s television program in the United States and remains one of the top-rated and longest running boys live-action series in television history. The series follows the adventures of a group of ordinary young people who “morph” into superheroes and save the world from evil. It is seen in more than 150 markets around the world, translated into numerous languages, and is a mainstay in the most prominent international children’s programming blocks. The Power Rangers franchise is celebrating its 20th Anniversary throughout 2013, which started with the launch of its newest season Power Rangers Megaforce on Nickelodeon and other broadcasters worldwide. SCG Power Rangers LLC, which licenses and merchandises the Power Rangers brand, is an affiliate of Saban Brands. For more information, visit www.powerrangers.com.
About Saban Brands
Formed in 2010 as an affiliate of Saban Capital Group, Saban Brands (SB) was established to acquire and develop a world-class portfolio of properties and capitalize on the company’s experience, track record and capabilities in growing and monetizing consumer brands through content, media and marketing. SB applies a global omni-channel management approach to enhancing and extending its brands in markets worldwide and to consumers of all ages. The company provides full-service management, marketing, promotion and strategic business development for its intellectual properties including comprehensive strategies unique to each brand, trademark and copyright management and enforcement, creative design, retail development, direct-to-consumer initiatives and specialized property extensions. SB is led by a superior management team with decades of experience in media, content creation, branding, licensing, marketing, digital and finance. SB's portfolio of properties currently includes Power Rangers, Paul Frank, Vortexx, Zui.com, The Playforge, Julius Jr., Digimon Fusion and Popples. For more information, visit www.sabanbrands.com.
About Nickelodeon
Nickelodeon, now in its 34th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books, and feature films. Nickelodeon’s U.S. television network is seen in almost 100 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for 18 consecutive years. For more information or artwork, visit www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB).
About Bandai America Incorporated
A leader in developing engaging, quality toys that capture children’s imaginative spirit and provide endless “Fun For The Future,” Bandai America Incorporated is the manufacturer and master toy licensee of some of the most popular brands in children’s toys and interactive entertainment today. The Bandai America brand family includes Power Rangers®, Ben 10™ and Pac-Man and The Ghostly Adventures™, among other boys, girls, preschool and hobby product lines. Bandai America Incorporated is a subsidiary of NAMCO BANDAI Holdings (USA) Inc., an entity that resulted from the integration of Namco Ltd. and Bandai Co. Ltd. of Japan. Global interests encompass three strategic business units: Toys and Hobby, Amusement Facility and Contents. The company is headquartered in Cypress, California. Find out more about our expertise in connecting with kids in fun and fresh ways at www.Bandai.com.