News
New Panini division inks first deal
Samantha Loveday Apr 11 2008, 9:35am
The Licensing Machine ties with Viz Media to launch manga series' in Italy and Germany.
Viz Media has secured a deal with Panini UK's new division, The Licensing Machine, to launch its manga series Death Note and Bleach in Italy and Germany.
According to World Screen, The Licensing Machine has acquired the TV and home video rights for Bleach for Italy, as well as the home video rights for Germany.
Meanwhile, for Death Note, the firm has picked up the TV, home video and merchandising rights for Italy, along with the home video and merchandising rights for Germany.
"We are very excited to grow our relationship with Panini, while paving the way for Italian and German audiences to enjoy both Death Note and Bleach," said John Easum, president of Viz Media.
"Both titles are currently enjoying enormous success across the globe including Japan, North America, France and Spain. They are two of Japan's richest new series offering striking animation and incredible storytelling."
Giusy Christiana Panari, director of The Licensing Machine, added: "The Panini Group has treasured Japanese entertainment for over a decade, bringing to Europe the fantastic manga stories, and masterpieces captivating readers and contributing to the growth of the European manga fan base."
