Playmates Toys appoints Character Options for distribution of All-New Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles toys
A Classic TMNT range will launch for Easter 2023, followed by a line based on Paramount Picture’s highly anticipated animated feature film, set for release in summer 2023.
Paramount Consumer Products are pleased to announce that Playmates International Company Limited (“Playmates”), has announced the appointment of Character Options as the exclusive distributor in the U.K. and the Republic of Ireland of Playmates’ all-new
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) product line.
This reimagined range of action figures, accessories, vehicles, role play toys and novelties will launch worldwide in Summer 2023 prior to the premier of Paramount Pictures
new CG animated TMNT feature film – produced by Seth Rogen’s Point Grey Pictures and directed by Jeff Rowe (
The Mitchells vs the Machines).
Stephanie Bailey, Vice President (VP) of Global Toys at Paramount Consumer Products, commented: “We are thrilled to have such a strong UK distribution partner on board for the Playmates line of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles toys. Our decision to work with Character Options is based on their proven performance within the category, along with their innovative marketing efforts. I’m confident we’ve partnered with the right distributor to service the UK market and that our combination of great content and toys will engage and resonate with fans of all ages.”
William Tran, executive director of Playmates Toys Limited commented, “For the past 2 years, we’ve been hard at work with the Paramount Consumer Products team in development of what we believe is our strongest TMNT toy line up ever and we know that this brand is in excellent hands with Character Options. We are proud and excited to be partnering with a team of toy professionals who are as well respected, experienced, and passionate about their brands and customer service as is the team at Character. Their unparalleled distribution reach, sophisticated marketing machine and wide-ranging experience in and understanding of the action figure and collectible market is all we could ask for in a partner.”
Jon Diver, Joint Manager Director, Character Group commented, “We are delighted to be appointed by Paramount Consumer Products and Playmates as UK and Ireland distributors of the all-new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle line. TMNT is an iconic brand that has seen great success over its history and we are immensely proud to now be part of its future with the Playmates team. Our journey will begin bringing Classic range to retail for Easter 2023. This will be followed with the movie range which will coincide with the all new TMNT movie launch. We are excited for the previews ahead and can’t wait to show the full line to our retail partners in the coming months!”
Paramount Consumer Products
Paramount Consumer Products oversees all licensing and merchandising for Paramount (Nasdaq: PARA, PARAA), a leading global media and entertainment company that creates premium content and experiences for audiences worldwide. Driven by iconic consumer brands, Paramount Consumer Products’ portfolio includes a diverse slate of brands and content from BET, CBS (including CBS Television Studios and CBS Television Distribution), Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures and Showtime. With properties spanning animation, live-action, preschool, youth and adult, Paramount Consumer Products is committed to creating the highest quality product for some of the world’s most beloved, iconic franchises. Additionally, Paramount Consumer Products oversees the online direct-to-consumer business for CBS and Showtime programming merchandise, as well as standalone branded ecommerce websites for Star Trek, SpongeBob, South Park, and MTV.
Character Options Ltd
Character Options is the principal trading subsidiary of The Character Group plc, an independent toy company. Founded in 1991 and listed on the London Stock Exchange since 1994 (FTSE sector: leisure: FTSE AIM All-share: symbol: CCT.L), the business engages in the design, development, and distribution of a wide range of toys, games and playthings. Many of its products feature or are based on popular film, television, comic and digital characters, reproduced under licence from the brand owners. The principal markets for its products are in the UK and Scandinavia where it has direct distribution and in over 30 overseas territories where turnover is growing, particularly in the USA and other parts of the EU. It also partners on an exclusive basis with other overseas-based toy producers, either to market and distribute their products in the UK.
Playmates International Company Limited (PICL):
PICL is a wholly owned subsidiary of Playmates Toys Limited, a public company listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Founded in 1966, Playmates Toys is among the most well-respected and innovative marketing and distribution companies in the global toy industry with a proven history in the creation of imaginative products as well as the development and management of profitable, long-term brand franchises. Playmates Toys history with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles dates back to 1987 when they were first appointed as master toy licensee for this evergreen franchise. . From its offices in Hong Kong and California, Playmates designs, develops, markets and distributes its products in over 70 countries worldwide. For more information,
www.playmatestoys.com.
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