Viacom 18 is to represent the rights to Charles Schulz’s popular Peanuts characters in India as master licensee. The deal marks Viacom18’s foray into representing brands outside the Viacom portfolio. Viacom18 plans to roll out products in multiple categories including plush toys, apparel and accessories inspired by Snoopy, Charlie Brown and the gang by next year . Nick Jr., the kids’ channel by Viacom18, will also air the Peanuts series on television in the coming months. Speaking about the partnership, Saugato Bhowmik, Senior Vice President – Consumer Products, Viacom 18 Media Pvt. Ltd., says, “We are delighted to have acquired representation rights to some of the most widely popular entertainment brands across the world. The partnership with the iconic Peanuts brand adds another milestone to our portfolio of products that we will take beyond television. We’re confident that the brand's worldwide popularity will be replicated in India.” Leigh Anne Brodsky - Managing Director - Peanuts Worldwide and Iconix Entertainment stated, “Peanuts has immense fan following across the globe. We are thrilled to enter the Indian market with new media and content on the horizon and with a promising partner like Viacom18 that boasts of the best entertainment channel across genres and an expansive range of consumer products."
