Viacom has announced plans to acquire Paws Inc., the global rights owner of the Garfield and the U.S. Acres franchises.
Following the completion of the acquisition, Viacom subsidiary Nickelodeon will develop a new Garfield animated television series. Global merchandising rights for Garfield will be managed by Viacom Nickelodeon Consumer Products, including the property’s existing portfolio of licensees. Garfield creator Jim Davis will continue to produce the Garfield syndicated comic strip.
The acquisition of Garfield will expand Nickelodeon’s growing portfolio of properties that already includes “SpongeBob SquarePants,” “PAW Patrol,” “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” “Blue’s Clues & You!” and an all-new animated “Star Trek” series.
“Garfield is a global evergreen franchise that is a natural fit with Nickelodeon and our portfolio of iconic properties,” says Pam Kaufman, president, VNCP. “With fans around the globe that span both kids and adults, we are excited to ignite Garfield into a multigenerational consumer products juggernaut and further deliver on VNCP’s ‘Every Age, Every Aisle’ mission.”
Originated by cartoonist Jim Davis, Garfield has spawned movies, TV shows, stage shows and various consumer merchandise. Last year, the character celebrated its 40th anniversary with a variety of licensing deals.