Kids Media India has signed up as an exclusive licensing agency to introduce Archie Comic characters into the world of Licensing across the SAARC nations. This is the first major attempt by Archie Comic Publications to extend the iconic teenage characters, including Archie, Betty, Veronica, Reggie and Jughead through merchandising in India.

"Archie has had a very strong relationship with the Indian subcontinent for many decades now," says Jon Goldwater, chief executive officer of Archie Comic Publications. "The growing popularity of the comics, each year, goes on to prove that the characters are much loved and adored in this part of the world, as in any other part of the globe. Archie fans cut across all age groups and have resulted in successful merchandising programs in several parts of the world. I have full confidence that Archie's popularity will only strengthen further with this program in the sub-continent."

KMI is seeking key partners for the Archie brand in apparel, fashion accessories, innerwear and sleepwear, home furnishing, stationery, bags, games and publishing (non-comic). There are some promotional licensing alliances that are also being worked out.