MTV Networks International announced the acquisition of television and digital media rights to the animated kids property "Kikoriki" from Russia-based Riki Group. MTVNI will launch the property at this year’s MIP-TV.

Effective immediately, MTVNI will represent the series “Kikoriki ,” also known as “Smeshariki” in Russia, Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Asia Pacific region. As part of the agreement, MTVNI has acquired rights to broadcast “Kikoriki” on Nickelodeon TV platforms in Russia and CIS, Central Europe and Africa beginning in August. 


The series is targeted to children 3-8 years, and the property has a strong licensing program in Russia with more than 3,500 products, DVDs, CDs and an upcoming 3D film and theme park. “Kikoriki” currently broadcasts in China (CCTV), Germany (Kika), U.S. (The CW), Finland (MTV3), Italy (Mediaset) and Portugal (RTP).

“With its creative, kid-friendly messaging and playful characters and themes, 'Kikoriki' is a perfect complement to our existing kids and family portfolio,” says Caroline Beaton, senior vice president of international program sales at MTVNI. “I am also very pleased that Nickelodeon viewers in Russia and CIS, Central Europe and Africa will also have a chance to enjoy this hit TV series, which we are localizing for audiences into Polish, Hungarian, Czech, Romanian and English.”

The deal was brokered on behalf of MTVNI by Maria Rakhmatullina-Ufland, sales director of emerging markets at MTVNI.

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