Evolution will develop new product and retail opportunities for “One-Punch Man,” “Naruto” and more.
Viz Media has tapped licensing and brand management firm Evolution USA to serve as its new licensing agent in North America.
In addition to representing the company’s catalog of anime and multimedia content, Evolution will develop new merchandise and identify key North American licensing opportunities to expand Viz’s consumer presence in new vertical markets.
“Partnering with the team at Evolution will be a critical component in the ongoing execution of our consumer licensing strategies,” says Brad Woods, chief marketing officer, Viz Media. “As we continue to develop and expand our catalogue we wanted to have an expert merchandise and retail partner who can help to drive the North American business.”
Viz Media’s current catalogue of anime, manga and multimedia content includes properties such as “One-Punch Man,” “Naruto,” “Hunter x Hunter” and “Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure,” among others.
“Viz Media’s extensive multimedia catalogue aligns perfectly with Evolution’s focus on monetizing intellectual properties and character-driven brands into new media, location-based entertainment, consumer products and fashion apparel,” says Travis J. Rutherford, president, licensing and retail, Evolution. “There’s tremendous brand loyalty and awareness for Viz Media’s unique properties, and we’re excited to bring new products to lfie that will appeal to new and existing fans alike.”
