New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT) today announced that it has entered into an exclusive, multi-year global music licensing agreement with Warner
Music Group ("WMG")'s Arts
Music division as the sole distributor of Mattel's current catalog of more than 1,000 songs from brands including Barbie®,
Thomas & Friends®, Hot Wheels®, American Girl®, and Fisher-Price®. In addition, Arts
Music and Mattel will make hundreds of never-before-released songs from Mattel's catalog available for the first time and will collaborate on the creation and distribution of new music including the upcoming
Thomas & Friends' birthday album, which will launch on digital streaming services starting May 8.
"Music is an important part of Mattel's DNA, and has been integral to our brands' ability to connect with children of all ages to help them learn and grow," said Fred Soulie, Senior Vice President, Content Distribution and Business Development, Mattel. "WMG's Arts
Music division will unlock our substantial library of music to help us broaden our reach across digital and streaming platforms. Additionally, their significant expertise in nurturing music creation across genres will enable us to significantly expand our catalog with new music for generations of children to come."
"Arts
Music has been steadily building a powerful repertoire of family-friendly material over the last few years and adding Mattel to our offering absolutely takes it to a new level," said
Kevin Gore, President, Arts
Music at WMG. "Mattel's iconic brands have been bringing joy to children around the world since its founding 75 years ago, and we are honored that they've trusted our team as the exclusive stewards of their musical enterprises. We very much look forward to releasing new music full of positive messages, fun adventures and educational themes to delight kids and families for generations to come."
Arts
Music will partner with WMG's ADA Worldwide for global distribution.
About Mattel
Mattel is a leading global children's entertainment company that specializes in design and production of quality toys and consumer products. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire, entertain and develop children through play. We engage consumers through our portfolio of iconic franchises, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, American Girl®, Fisher-Price®,
Thomas & Friends® and MEGA®, as well as other popular brands that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include film and television content, gaming, music and live events. We operate in 40 locations and sell products in more than 150 countries in collaboration with the world's leading retail and technology companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in exploring the wonder of childhood and empowering kids to reach their full potential. Visit us online at www.mattel.com.
About Warner
Music Group
With its broad roster of new stars and legendary artists, Warner
Music Group is home to a collection of the best-known record labels in the music industry including Asylum, Atlantic, Big Beat, Canvasback, East West, Elektra, Erato, FFRR, Fueled by Ramen, Nonesuch, Parlophone, Reprise, Rhino, Roadrunner, Sire, Spinnin', Warner Records, Warner Classics, and Warner
Music Nashville, as well as Warner Chappell Music, one of the world's leading music publishers, with a catalog of more than 1.4 million copyrights worldwide.
