Matt Hatter Chronicles Licensing Agent for Middle East & Turkey

LONDON: Cartoon Network has been named licensing agent for the boys’ adventure series Matt Hatter Chronicles in the Middle East and Turkey.

Under the deal, Cartoon Network will implement a cross-category licensing program throughout the Middle East next year to support the Simba Dickie toy range based on the series. The toy line launched exclusively through the retail chains Toyzzshop and Penzzshop through distribution partner Sunman in October.

U.K. indie Platinum Films produces the series, which airs on OFLAZ Media Group’s KIDZ channel and debuted on Cartoon Network Turkey in May. It airs on Cartoon Network in the Middle East, as well as Al Jazeera’s dedicated kids’ channel Jeem TV.

“Our strategy is to reinforce the toy presence and success in all major toy retailers in the GCC, while preparing a region-wide fashion launch of Matt Hatter for AW2016,” said Ali El-Hagar, the licensing director for MENA at Cartoon Network. “Our aim is to further build the consumer product business with exclusive partners that have the ability to launch compelling and innovative product ranges. All the retailers that have seen the new licensing plans have shown a lot of interest in introducing the new Matt Hatter range to their retail stores, and by the end of 2016 we will have the full merchandise program available on the market.”

Nigel Stone, Platinum Film’s CEO, commented: “We are delighted to have appointed Cartoon Network as our licensing agent in the Middle East and Turkey. They are an extremely talented operation with an exceptional track record and strong relationships with retailers and licensees in both regions. The synergy between the programming and licensing divisions allows us to execute a coordinated licensing program in the Middle East and Turkey, continue to grow the Matt Hatter brand and succeed commercially for the long term.”