JAKKS® Pacific, Inc. announced today from Nuremberg Toy Fair that the Giochi Preziosi Group (GP) has been appointed as the exclusive marketing and distribution partner in several major European markets, including the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy, and Germany, for toys based upon the original animated television series; MONSUNO™ in production by Pacific Animation Partners LLC, a joint venture between JAKKS and Dentsu Entertainment USA, Inc., a subsidiary of Dentsu, Inc.

JAKKS Pacific, creator of the underlying MONSUNO™ Boys Action property, is the master toymaker for the MONSUNO™ toy line, which is expected to hit U.S. retail shelves to coincide with the U.S. TV series premiere anticipated for Late Fall 2011 or Spring 2012. The MONSUNO™ TV series is being produced by Pacific Animation Partners LLC in conjunction with Dentsu Inc.’s Tokyo-based animation production subsidiary, Dentsu Tec. FremantleMedia Enterprises will be responsible for the exclusive worldwide (except Asia) distribution of MONSUNO™ TV programming, and act as the Master Licensing agent for the MONSUNO™ brand worldwide, outside of Asia, and with the exception of toys, which shall be exclusively marketed and produced by JAKKS. In Asia, Dentsu, Inc. shall serve as the Master Licensing Agent. GP will manage the sales, marketing and distribution of all JAKKS’ MONSUNO™ toy products in Europe through GP’s extensive subsidiary network covering major European markets.

"The Giochi Preziosi Group is one of JAKKS’ closest and most well respected international distribution partners. GP’s pan European reach and proven ability to build and sustain strong, category leading action figure franchises makes them the best choice to market and distribute MONSUNO™ toys in this critically important region,” commented Stephen Berman, President and CEO, JAKKS.

Dario Berte, co-CEO of GP, stated that "We are very proud, pleased and honored to have been entrusted with the responsibility of building the MONSUNO™ toy brand in Europe in partnership with JAKKS. JAKKS’ commitment to design excellence, innovation and creativity will be showcased in the initial assortment of MONSUNO™ toy products – products that are every bit as exciting and entertaining as the MONSUNO™ story itself. GP’s commitment to building the MONSUNO™ toy franchise in Europe will enable us to expand and strengthen our ties with JAKKS – one of GP’s most talented and most trusted U.S. partners.”

The MONSUNO™ animated TV series (52 episodes x 30 minutes) is an epic boys action adventure where kids are imbued with the power to command and battle creatures with amazing destructive potential. Built around powerful, action-based episodic animation with a compelling base of dynamic, relatable characters, and deeply woven original story mythology, the MONSUNO™ TV series provides a completely original entertainment experience. Targeted to boys 6 - 11, the TV series will be supported by a demonstrable, innovative, feature-driven JAKKS toy line of action figures, gadgets, collectibles and integrated role play.