Manga and anime producer, VIZ Media has appointed Boutique Licensing Agency as its European agent as it continues to expand its consumer products business internationally.
In addition, BLA! has appointed Reemsborko as its sub-agent for the UK market.
BLA!’s role will be to partner with VIZ on creating a strategic plan for Europe, to sign and manage licensees across general merchandise, experiences and promotions. The agency will also support retail partnerships and collaborations on behalf of VIZ Media.
The VIZ Media portfolio includes Rumiko Takahashi’s epic time traveling demon-fighting tale Inuyasha and Tite Kubo’s fantasy adventure Bleach, including the latest adaptation, Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War. Notably, Disney+ is launching the highly anticipated Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War globally in all territories outside of the US.
There is also new work such as the devilish destruction in Devil’s Candy from Rem and Bikkuri or the cock with a hero’s mission in Rooster Fighter by Shu Sakuratani.
“We are proud to announce VIZ Media’s partnership with BLA! as we build our portfolio in Europe,” commented Laura Takaragawa, vp consumer products, licensing and promotions at VIZ Media. “BLA is a great match with VIZ as they are well respected, strategic market-experts with an entrepreneurial spirit. We have been impressed with what BLA! has accomplished in a short time and know that we can expect many great things in the future under this partnership.”
Marie-Noelle Lutte, managing partner at Boutique Licensing Agency, added: “We are excited to become VIZ Media’s on-ground agency in Europe; to bring VIZ Media’s brands together with suppliers to create products that animé fans love. With the rising trend in manga and animé, the timing is perfect. With a focus on Bleach and Inuyasha we look forward to extending these brands into merchandise, promotions and experiences with the best partners in the business.”
Reemsborko’s Max Arguile continued: “Reemsborko is very pleased to be working with VIZ MEDIA and BLA! on these essential animés. We are actively seeking partners in all categories.”
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