The Pokemon Company and Tomy International have signed a multi-year global master toy agreement, giving Tomy International exclusive rights outside of Asia.

Tomy Company, Tomy International's parent company, has been a toy licensing partner for Pokemon in Asia since 1997. The new agreement makes Tomy the unified global toy partner for Pokemon.

Beginning in 2013, Tomy International will be the exclusive licensee and distributor for categories including figures, figure accessories and plush.

The toy company will be the first to market with toys based on the upcoming video game sequels, “Pokemon Black 2” and “Pokemon White 2,” available next month.

"We are proud to make this major new global business announcement, and we are thrilled to extend the relationship between Tomy and the Pokemon brand," says Greg Kilrea, president, Tomy International. "As an integrated organization, Tomy can provide our partners with unparalleled access to markets worldwide."