Sesame Workshop Names Mattel its New Master Toy Licensee for Latin America
(New York, NY – November 13, 2017) – As part of Sesame Street’s relaunch as Sésamo in Latin America, Sesame Workshop has named Mattel its master toy licensee in the region. In addition, as part of the new licensing agreement, the furry residents of Sesame Street will be featured in Mattel’s Mega Bloks®-branded preschool construction sets across the United States, Canada, and Latin America.
Mattel’s comprehensive line of toys for Latin America will feature beloved characters Elmo, Cookie Monster, and Abby Cadabby; for the first time in the region, best friends Bert and Ernie will also have leading roles. Focusing on early childhood development and learning through play, the line will be available in the region in May 2018. Products will range from plastic figurines to innovative feature plush, embodying the classic humor and friendship Sésamo fans know and love.
The branded Mega Bloks® preschool construction sets will be available in the United States, Canada, and Latin America beginning in Spring 2018.
“Mattel has made a strong commitment to Sésamo in designing a robust Latin-focused line,” said Steve Youngwood, COO, Sesame Workshop. “We’re also thrilled to work with Mega Bloks in North America and Latin America to create construction set toys that spark kids’ imaginations and encourage creative play. This collaboration will strengthen our offerings and help us fulfill our mission of helping kids grow smarter, stronger, and kinder.”
“We are thrilled to again be working with one of the most powerful preschool properties in the world,” said Jason Horowitz, SVP & GM, Entertainment Partnerships for Mattel. “As a company that values learning and development through play, we look forward to bringing these amazing characters to life in Latin America, as well as construction in the Americas.”
The rebranded Sésamo has launched new seasons in both Spanish and Portuguese on key networks such as Mexico’s Televisa, Colombia’s Señal Colombia, and Brazil’s Gloob, TV Cultura, and TV Brasil. On the digital front, Sésamo can be found on Netflix, Playkids, and YouTube. Cookie Monster, Elmo, and the Sésamo gang also entertain fans and parents on their social media channels.
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About Sesame Workshop
Sesame Workshop is the nonprofit media and educational organization behind Sesame Street, the pioneering television show that has been reaching and teaching children since 1969. Today, Sesame Workshop is an innovative force for change, with a mission to help kids everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder. We’re present in more than 150 countries, serving vulnerable children through a wide range of media, formal education, and philanthropically-funded social impact programs, each grounded in rigorous research and tailored to the needs and cultures of the communities we serve. For more information, please visit sesameworkshop.org.
About Mattel
Mattel is a global learning, development and play company that inspires the next generation of kids to shape a brighter tomorrow. Through our portfolio of iconic consumer brands, including American Girl®, Barbie®, Fisher-Price®, Hot Wheels® and Thomas & Friends™, we create systems of play, content and experiences that help kids unlock their full potential. Mattel also creates inspiring and innovative products in collaboration with leading entertainment and technology companies as well as other partners. With a global workforce of approximately 32,000 people, Mattel operates in 40 countries and territories and sells products in more than 150 nations. Visit us online at www.mattel.com.
Press Contact
Beatrice Chow
beatrice.chow@sesame.org
212-875-6586
