Sakar & KIDZ BOP Partner To Launch New Line Of Youth Electronics
#1 Kids Music Brand Expanding into Electronic Category; Initial Product Launching Fourth Quarter
EDISON, N.J., June 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Sakar Internationalannounced today that it has signed a licensing agreement to develop, market and manufacture a new line of audio/video youth electronics with KIDZ BOP, the #1 music brand for kids ages 5-12 in the U.S. Merchandise will include karaoke machines, headphones, earbuds, speakers and docking stations. Additional product will include DVRs (digital video recorders) and digital cameras tied to the KIDZ BOP music series featuring today's most popular songs, sung by kids for kids. Initial product is expected to hit shelves in the U.S. and Canada during fourth quarter of 2012. Additional product will roll out in 2013.
The agreement is part of an expanded KIDZ BOP licensing program designed to leverage the brand's rapid growth. On July 17, KIDZ BOP will release KIDZ BOP 22, the latest installment of the best-selling audio series. KIDZ BOP will also launch its annual KIDZ Star USA Talent Search, America's biggest national talent competition for kids 15 and under, which is hosted on KIDZBOP.com, the leading safe social network and video sharing site for kids and tweens. Recently, traffic on the site reached an all-time high with more than 1 million uniques.
KIDZ BOP Senior Vice President of Marketing, Sasha Junk, said, "KIDZ BOP is thrilled to work with Sakar as we continue to strategically expand the brand across key product categories. Their experience in youth electronics, particularly in the karaoke space, makes them an ideal partner."
"These new products will build on the success of KIDZ BOP's popular music series by delivering brand extensions that let young music fans sing along with their favorite songs, record their performances on DVR or digital camera, or simply express their brand appreciation on music accessories like headphones and earbuds," said Liza Abrams, Sakar Vice President of Licensing. "This license gives us the opportunity to bring these products to the KIDZ BOP fans for the first time."
About Sakar International
Sakar International Inc. designs and manufactures a wide range of technology, toy, and consumer electronic products. Founded in 1977, the company is the manufacturer of Vivitar camera equipment and accessories, a market leader in youth electronics and rechargeable batteries, and a producer of licensed products for leading consumer brands. Products range from digital cameras and camcorders with related accessories to computer, iPod, GPS and gaming accessories, binoculars, MP3 players, clock radios, gift and toy electronics. The company is privately held and headquartered in Edison, N.J. For more information, visit http://www.sakar.com.
About KIDZ BOP LLC
KIDZ BOP is the #1 music brand for kids ages 5-12 in the U.S., featuring today's most popular songs, sung by kids for kids. KIDZ BOP celebrates the authentic voice of kids across the entire brand--through music, videos, live appearances, licensed merchandise and its popular social networking and content sharing website, KIDZBOP.com. In 2011, the brand celebrated its 10th anniversary. KIDZ BOP CD titles have earned one PlatinumĀ® and nine GoldĀ® certifications since their debut in 2001. KIDZ BOP's last release, KIDZ BOP 21 debuted at #2 on the Billboard Top 200 chart. Check out KIDZ BOP's new weekly radio show, KIDZ BOP Block Party!, a new two-hour weekly radio show on Kids Place Live, every Friday at 6PM EST.
About KIDZBOP.com
KIDZBOP.comis the leading SAFE social network and video sharing site for kids and tweens with one million registered members. The website allows kids to express themselves--as themselves--through unique online applications and proprietary functionality. Kids can star in video-based "Web Shows," challenge each other to "Super Contests," and build "Fan Pages" as part of KIDZBOP.com's fun features. An introduction to social networking, the site also features a profile page for each member where they can chat with each other via a safe text messaging system. KIDZ BOP's expert moderators have screened more than 35,000 hours of video content and nearly half a million photos before they were published to the site. KIDZBOP.com is also home to America's biggest online talent search for kids 15 and under, KIDZ Star USA.
SOURCE Sakar International Inc.
Sakar International Inc.
CONTACT: Molly Antos, +1-847-415-9327, mantos@sspr.com or Amanda Andrews, +1-212-598-2271, aandrews@kidzbop.com