Cartoon Network Enterprises Extends Licensing Deal with Bell Sports for Ben 10 Alien Force
Long-Standing Partnership between the Two Companies Builds on Sporting Goods
Program for Evergreen Boys' Action Brand
Cartoon Network Enterprises (CNE), the global licensing and merchandising arm of the children's network, announced today that it has renewed its licensing deal with Bell Sports, a leading designer, developer and marketer of sports equipment and protective products, for its top-selling Ben 10 franchise. Building on an existing relationship, this two-year deal includes a full line of safety helmets and knee/elbow pads from Bell Sports that features characters and designs from the hit Cartoon Network original series that is currently in its fifth year at retail. This line from Bell Sports will continue to be distributed at mass retailers nationwide and the announcement comes on the heels of CNE's recent deal with the company for a similar line based on Nelvana and Spin Master's hit Bakugan brand.
"Our Ben 10 consumer products program continues to thrive because of the outstanding support from our strong licensing and retail partners," said Christina Miller, senior vice president, CNE. "Bell Sports has been a great partner for us as we continue to grow the Ben 10 brand across all categories and retailers, and we are excited to continue our relationship through 2011."
As a top-rated Cartoon Network original series for boys, Ben 10 Alien Force continues the Ben 10 saga and picks up the story five years later when 15-year-old Ben Tennyson chooses to once again put on the OMNITRIX and discovers that he can now transform him into 10 brand new aliens. Created by Man of Action and produced at Cartoon Network Studios, episodes from the third season of the Ben 10 Alien Force series premiere on Cartoon Network on Friday nights 8:30 p.m. (ET/PT) with replays throughout the week.
About Cartoon Network Enterprises:
Cartoon Network Enterprises (CNE) is responsible for building consumer products and merchandising programs for a wide range of brands by securing and supporting long-term licensing partnerships across all categories. As the global branding and merchandising arm of Cartoon Network and Adult Swim, the division manages the consumer product programs for the networks' award-winning original programming, brands and characters including Ben 10, The Secret Saturdays, Chowder, The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack, Adult Swim and more. CNE also serves as a third party licensing agent through strategic partnerships with Nelvana Enterprises and Spin Master for the award-winning Bakugan brand, CAKE Entertainment and Fresh TV for the hit Total Drama franchise and the PGA of America for the youth marketplace.
Cartoon Network (CartoonNetwork.com), currently seen in more than 97 million U.S. homes and 166 countries around the world, is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.'s ad-supported cable service now available in HD offering the best in original, acquired and classic animated entertainment for kids and families. Nightly from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. (ET, PT), Cartoon Network shares its channel space with Adult Swim, a late-night destination showcasing original and acquired animation for young adults 18-34.
Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, creates and programs branded news, entertainment, animation and young adult media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.
About Easton-Bell Sports, Inc.:
Easton-Bell Sports, Inc. is a leading designer, developer and marketer of innovative sports equipment, protective products and related accessories. The company markets and licenses products under such well-known brands as Easton, Bell, Riddell, Giro and Blackburn. Its products incorporate leading technology and designs and are used by professional athletes and enthusiasts alike. Headquartered in Van Nuys, California, Easton-Bell Sports has 29 facilities worldwide. More information is available at www.eastonbellsports.com.
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