MM MerchandisingMedia acquired the merchandising rights on next year’s European blockbuster movie “Asterix at the Olympic Games”, which is scheduled for German release on 31 January 2008. With immediate effect, the merchandising division of ProSiebenSat.1 Media Group has the exclusive rights to manage merchandising and promotion activities for the brand new film production in German-speaking countries (Germany, Austria and Switzerland). The licensing agreement has been signed by La Petite Reine, Pathé Renn Production and the right’s owner of Asterix, Editions Albert René. In addition, MM MerchandisingMedia has also acquired the rights on classic Asterix comic characters. The contract also grants merchandising and promotion rights around the German free TV debut. Free TV rights on “Asterix at the Olympic Games” have been acquired by the ProSiebenSat.1 Media Group.

The third life-action movie of the cult comics is based on one of the most successful Asterix books ever. Even before its world debut on the silver screen, the film breaks all records: With a budget of 78 million Euros it’s the most expensive movie in the history of film making. The marketing budget alone accounts for more than 20 million Euros. What is more, the audience can expect a premium cast of international stars, like Alain Delon, Gérard Depardieu and Vanessa Hessler.

MM MerchandisingMedia and their cooperation have the right to use comic as well as film images for product realization and promotion activities, including images of the actors (e.g. Gérard Depardieu and Michael “Bully” Herbig). Asterix is family entertainment for every generation: For those adults that remember Asterix from their own childhood, the little Gaul has long become a classic. What is more, the comic often refers to modern society – always with a twinkling eye sense of humour. And children readily identify with characters like Asterix and Obelix.

Sabine Eckhardt, managing director of MM MerchandisingMedia: “With Asterix we have secured the ancillary rights on one of the most successful characters in licensing business. The comic series and the movie stand for first-class family entertainment. We are thrilled to be able to provide our cooperation partners with this very special licensing highlight for their products and promotion activities.”