Toei Animation Co. Ltd. has appointed VIP as the new merchandising broker in France for the TV series One Piece, it was announced today by Kanji Kazahaya, Director of International Department of Toei Animation Co., Ltd.

VIP will handle One Piece in France, French speaking Belgium, Luxembourg and Switzerland, and Monaco (French language). Per the agreement, VIP will represent all merchandising rights for the One Piece brand with the exception of video game, publishing and Lamincards categories.

“VIP is one of the first merchandising brokers in France. Their long experience as broker brings to its representation of One Piece an outstanding track record of licensing success and a deep commitment to our brands,” said Kazahaya.

One Piece -- In a time when pirates ruled the seas, several bands of pirates battled over the great hidden treasure called “One Piece” which was left by the now legendary pirate king, Gold Roger. One day, Monkey D. Luffy - a young boy who admired pirates - mistakenly ate Cursed Gum Gum Fruit turning himself into a rubber man. Ten years later Luffy set out to sea all alone to become King of the Pirates and launch his own quest to discover “One Piece.”

This TV series adapts Japanese popular comics of the same title by Mr Eiichiro ODA.

More than 390 episodes of this series have been aired since 1999 in Japan but still following new episodes continue producing. This series also is aired in counties all over the world.