"Maya The Bee Takes Flight In Russia"

Rio License entered into a strategic agreement with Studio 100, a leading European entertainment group, for the “Maya the Bee” property in Russia and all the CIS territories, including Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia.

Maya the Bee is a classic brand that Studio100 has reinvigorated with the breathtaking new CGI series of 78 x 13 minutes. The TV series will launch on a national channel in Russia at the beginning of 2013. Plans are also in the works for a CGI feature film.

With over 40 years of international licensing and merchandising success, Maya the Bee will conquer the heart of young women who have grown up watching the 2D series and they will be delighted to introduce their own children to Maya branded products. Over 150 licensees are already on board in Europe so Russian mums and dads will be able to find their favorite Maya characters on apparel lines, books, magazines, toys,games, and collectible’s among many other items.

Rio’s licensing plan is to first introduce a product collection based on the Maya 2D classic style guide in 2012 targeting both Children and Young Women. A new merchandising program dedicated to children age 4 to 7, based on the new CGI series, will then be implemented in 2013 when the new show will be on TV.

"It is a great honor to enter into a business relationship with Studio 100, one of the leading studios in Europe. We strongly believe in this partnership and are confident that Maya The Bee will become the next pre-school hit in Russia and CIS. We believe that Maya the Bee has wings in our markets” says Roman Fedotov, Rio’s Managing Director.

“Maya the Bee has always been a strong character in Eastern Europe and we are very excited about introducing new generations to this beloved Property. In addition, developing our business in this region is a key focus for the Studio 100 Group. Russia is a fast growing and complex market and we clearly needed a strong local partner to help us create the “must have” brand among pre-schoolers. Rio Licensing has all the assets and connections to implement a strong licensing program and achieve this goal. We look forward to sharing a successful partnership with Rio Licensing” says Marie-Laure Marchand, International Licensing Director at Studio 100.