MAM
Nick’s ‘SpongeBob..’ in worldwide licencing programmes
NEW YORK: MTV Networks International has announced the launch of licencing and merchandising programmes for Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants in 11 key international markets.
These are Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, France, Germany, Mexico, Scandinavia, South Korea, Malaysia and the UK. An official release informs that SpongeBob SquarePants is currently seen in 112 countries, and has remained the number one rated kids’ television show in the US for more than a year.
Regionally executed licensing and merchandising activities will commence in this month and include a global deal with Burger King Corporation; and local retail partnerships with Virgin Megastores in the UK; Walmart in Mexico; Target in Australia; Ripley in Chile; and Zellers in Canada.
MTV Networks International executive VP, International Programme Enterprises, Kathleen Hricik was quoted as saying: “SpongeBobs‘ ratings successes in the US and abroad make it an ideal time to take advantage of the property’s brand awareness and launch international licencing and merchandising programmes. Confidence in SpongeBob SquarePants’ potential as a long-term franchise property has generated millions of dollars in promotional deals and is the next Nickelodeon property to take our international business to a new level.”
A global in-store premium promotion has been signed with fast food giant, Burger King Corporation, spanning over 40 countries in Europe, the Middle East and Latin America.
Since its debut on Nickelodeon’s US channel in 1999, SpongeBob SquarePants has steadily grown from an underground hit with teens and young adults to one of the hottest licenses in the marketplace today, generating more than $750 million in retail sales in the US in 2002 alone.
SpongeBob SquarePants is widely distributed around the world, airing on all Nickelodeon’s international channels and major terrestrial broadcasters such as YTV in Canada, TF1 in France, Super RTL in Germany, ITV in the UK, TV New Zealand, Globo TV in Brasil, Televisa in Mexico and Network Ten in Australia.
Brands
Axis Bank named Official Banking Partner of DP World PGTI
Partnership supports all tournaments this season to grow professional golf in India.
MUMBAI: Axis Bank just teed up a hole-in-one partnership because when a bank sponsors golf’s biggest swing in India, even the fairways feel more financially secure. Axis Bank has been appointed Official Banking Partner of the DP World Professional Golf Tour of India (DP World PGTI), strengthening its commitment to sporting excellence and community engagement while backing the growth of professional golf across the country.
Under the partnership, Axis Bank will support all DP World PGTI tournaments this season, contributing to talent development, enhanced tournament experiences and wider fan engagement. The collaboration aligns the bank’s values of precision, discipline and trust with the Tour’s focus on performance and opportunity.
Axis Bank executive director Munish Sharda said, “We are pleased to partner with DP World PGTI as its Official Banking Partner. Golf embodies precision, discipline, and a pursuit of excellence qualities that strongly reflect who we are at Axis Bank. This association also strengthens our engagement with India’s growing premium customer segments, where the sport has a deep and enduring connect.”
Professional Golf Tour of India president Kapil Dev said, “We are extremely pleased to welcome Axis Bank as a Tour Partner of the DP World Professional Golf Tour of India. Partnerships of this stature play a vital role in strengthening the foundation of the Tour, enhancing opportunities for our players, and expanding the sport’s reach across the country.”
Professional Golf Tour of India CEO Amandeep Johl added, “Axis Bank’s strong legacy of excellence, innovation, and nationwide reach aligns perfectly with DP World PGTI’s goal to elevate professional golf in India and provide greater opportunities for our players.”
In a sport where every stroke counts and every partnership drives distance, Axis Bank isn’t just backing golfers, it’s investing in the fairway to future, turning India’s greens into a stage where precision meets passion and every drive has the power to inspire.
