MAM
Funskool India bags exclusive retailing rights from Cartoon Network
MUMBAI: In order to capitalise on the booming cartoon based retail toy market, Funskool India has entered into an exclusive agreement with Cartoon Network to retail the channel’s Powerpuff Girls merchandising.
The license agreement is for an initial period of two years and Funskool expects this association with Cartoon Network will strengthen its offering in the toy market.
The company aims to garner a market share of over 30 per cent in the growing cartoon based merchandising category of the organised toy market. Funskool will be locally producing board games, puzzles and creative items featuring the Powerpuff Girls at their factories.
Commenting on the tie up Funskool CEO Raphael Kuriyan said, “The relationship between entertainment based toys and the cartoon themselves is symbiotic. TV programming holds interest for the child and drives the toy sales, while toys based on popular characters help promote the viewership for shows.”
“With the demand growing for contemporary cartoon based toys in the Indian market, we feel that this arrangement would help us take advantage of the range of offerings from Cartoon Network. Cartoons based toys account for 25 per cent of our sales revenues and with this agreement, we are now in a position to cater the domestic price points from between Rs 150 to Rs 500,” he further added.
Cartoon Network Enterprises licensing director (India and South Asia) Jiggy George said, “Powerpuff Girls is one of the most recognised, profitable and popular licensing properties worldwide and I am confident, based on the show’s success here that it will become the premier girl property in India as well. We are delighted that Funskool is the exclusive India representative for this exciting property.”
Funskool is also planning innovative point of sale (POS) materials to promote the toys and bring out the variety and excitement for the Powerpuff Girls collection, including character appearances in retail shops.
Funskool already distributes other popular brands that are featured on Cartoon Network like Bob the Builder, Thomas and Friends, Batman, Superman, Tom & Jerry and Scooby Doo.
MAM
PwC India announces leadership change in Deals practice
Shashank Jain steps down as co-leader after nearly three decades with the firm.
MUMBAI: When one dealmaker steps off the pitch, another is ready to take the baton because in the fast-moving world of transactions, the game never really stops. PwC India has announced a leadership transition in its Deals practice, with Shashank Jain stepping down from his role as co-leader to pursue an opportunity in the industry. The practice will continue to be led by Mohit Chopra, ensuring continuity and sustained growth momentum.
PwC India partner and leader for advisory dinesh Arora paid tribute to Jain’s contributions. “We deeply appreciate the significant contributions made by Shashank over close to three decades he has spent with PwC, particularly his defining role in shaping and strengthening our Transaction Services practice in India,” he said. Arora highlighted Jain’s support for clients through some of the most complex and significant transactions in the Indian market, noting his deep technical expertise, sound judgment and nuanced understanding of the evolving M&A landscape.
The Deals practice remains a key growth driver for PwC India, and the firm expects continued expansion under Mohit Chopra’s leadership. He will continue to guide clients through complex transactions and transformational business moments, building on the strong foundation established over the years.
Reflecting on his journey, Shashank Jain said, “I have had an exceptional journey at PwC. I owe my growth and learning to the nurturing environment and leadership development that PwC provided.” He added that he had been working closely with Mohit and the larger team to ensure a smooth transition and expressed confidence that Chopra would take the Deals practice to newer heights.
From intern to respected deals leader, Shashank Jain has clearly closed many successful transactions and now, it seems, he’s ready to strike a new deal of his own.
