Loreto (AN), Italy. – (May 31, 2019) – Rainbow – the content powerhouse behind some of the world’s best-loved brands for kids – has just announced a new partnership with toy giant
Bandai America, appointed by master toy licensee Toy Plus for the distribution of 44 Cats toy line across the USA and Canada.

Bandai, among global leaders in the toy industry, will launch the preschool toy line based on the adorable and adventurous characters of the show, allowing kids to play out their favorite
scenes with products deeply linked to the TV show and featuring the key elements of the IP: music, creative play patterns and collectability. A collection ranging from plush to figurines, from play sets to musical toys. The first products will hit shelves from early 2020.

44 Cats will debut in the USA starting from June 10th on weekdays, airing on Nickelodeon channel. The show is in the licensing spotlight with major deals signed before the show even hit TV screens in late 2018, and after the master toy deal with Toy Plus, developing the all-cat collection of toys , and Simba Dickie Group’s special partnership as exclusive distributor for
Europe and the Middle East, the wonderful licensing program of 44 Cats moves along with the important announcement of Bandai as distribution partner for the USA and Canada.

The “pawesome” upper preschool property is already enjoying tremendous popularity throughout the world, with a second series already being produced. The 52 x 13’ series is an explosive mix of music and cuteness that deals with edutainment themes such as tolerance, diversity and altruism, combining positive values, action and comedy in a sophisticated CGI production. The show follows the adventures of Lampo, Milady, Pilou, and Meatball – four adorable kittens who are part of a music band named The Buffycats – helping others and always
finding creative solutions to everyday hitches.

The collaboration with Bandai confirms Rainbow’s 44 Cats as a protagonist in 2019’s licensing landscape, with excellent and growing market response.

“We’re really excited to launch the 44 Cats toy line to the US and Canada market,” said Shusuke Takahara, CEO at Bandai America. “Over the last year, we’ve been looking at new lines to distribute and couldn’t be happier to partner with companies like Rainbow and Toy Plus. From figurines to plush, we can’t wait to see consumer reactions as they collect toys from the adventurous and adorable TV show.”

Mr Iginio Straffi, Founder and CEO of Rainbow Group commented: “We are glad to collaborate with such a partner as Bandai in US and Canada to distribute 44 Cats’s toy line, allowing kids to play with the protagonists of their favorite TV show and let their adventures become real!”. Among the largest animation studios in Europe, Rainbow is an internationally renowned TV and movie producer creating and distributing animated and live action series and films for kids and families. The global reception of Rainbow brands has translated into widespread licensing success across a multitude of categories throughout the world, and through market leading licensees in each category.

About Rainbow

Rainbow Group was founded in 1995 by Iginio Straffi, President and Chief Executive Officer, and gained a worldwide reputation thanks to the extraordinary success of the Winx Club fairies brand. The group operates in the family entertainment industry, ranking among the main international companies for the development of content – both animated and live action – for TV and cinema productions, as well as for the creation, development and licensing of content and the production of animated content for third parties, integrated by the group with the acquisition of Canadian studios Bardel Entertainment in 2015. With the acquisition of Iven Group in 2017, Rainbow Group has also broadened its offer of TV and movie products dedicated to adults and families, with the TV formats and film library owned by Colorado Film Production, Iven Group company that has been operating for more than 30 years. In over 20 years of experience, the group has created and developed a variety of properties and can count on a product portfolio aired in over 100 countries through different broadcasting platforms; in the consumer product industry, the group ranks in the top positions on the annual Top 150 Global Licensors List and is 1st in Europe, with more than 500 licensees worldwide.

About Bandai America Incorporated

Bandai builds on dreams, adds to the fun, and strives to inspire kids of all ages around the world, every day! A leader in developing engaging, quality toys that capture children’s imaginative spirit and provide endless “Fun For The Future,” Bandai America Incorporated is the manufacturer and master toy licensee of some of the most popular brands in children’s toys and interactive entertainment today. The Bandai America brand family includes Pac-ManTM, Dragon Ball®, Godzilla and Tamagotchi®, among other boys, girls, preschool, and hobby product lines. Bandai America Incorporated is a subsidiary of BANDAI NAMCO Holdings USA Inc., an entity that resulted from the integration of Namco Ltd. and Bandai Co. Ltd. of Japan. Global interests encompass three strategic business units: Toys and Hobby, Video Games and Online Entertainment and Film and Music. The company is headquartered in El Segundo, California. Find out more about our expertise in connecting with kids in fun and fresh ways at www.Bandai.com. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.