CJ E&M, one of Asia's leading content and media companies, is growing its scope of business as it looks to expand its animation properties into licensing and merchandising. Based in China since 2005, CJ E&M brings together the Chinese and Korean market and also acts as an agent for Western properties seeking a foothold in the countries.

CJ E&M is also expanding its efforts in North America, as well, as it brings its series "Super Wings" to the continent.

The first Korean/Chinese and U.S. co-production, "Super Wings" is a preschool 3D, CGI-animated show, with broadcast on network Sprout. (The series first aired in March.)

"'Super Wings' is a significant project, in which important players from the U.S., China and Korea have joined forces to create a successful mix of East meets West content," says Sehoon Chang, head of animation and global business, CJ E&M. "It is a great example of how unique content can be created when a number of different partners from differing backgrounds collaborate and work to their strengths."

The series centers on the adventures of little jet plane, Jett, and his travels delivering packages to children around the world. In each episode, Jett must solve new problems with the help of his friends, the Super Wings.

According to Chang, since its launch in South Korea, the property has already secured 45 licensees in more than 160 categories; while in China, the series, which launched in the country in April, has already achieved more than 100 million VOD views.

In the U.S., Alpha Animation and Culture's newly-launched subsidiary Auldey Toys North America will exclusively bring the brand's first range of toys to retail at Toys 'R' Us in October, with a national product rollout slated for spring 2016.

"Following our placement of the show on key international broadcast platforms, we are now working closely with our master toy partner Alpha to sign best-in-class licensing agents in each territory," says Chang. "Once the agents are in place, we will be able to plan our international product rollout in each territory."

CJ E&M is seeking to secure additional partners in the U.S. in categories such as publishing, apparel, back-to-school, accessories, stationery and food and beverage.

CJ E&M holds worldwide distribution rights to "Super Wings" outside of Asia and the Middle East, with Alpha overseeing those territories.