Viacom Acquires Garfield Brand for Nick Portfolio

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

Originated by cartoonist Jim Davis, 

Garfield

 has spawned movies, TV shows, stage shows and various consumer merchandise. Last year, the character celebrated its

with a variety of licensing deals.