05/09/2008

DISNEY AND PANINI: A NEW UNIVERSE OF MAGAZINES AND COMICS

PANINI AND DISNEY SIGN NEW MULTI-TERRITORY, MULTI-PROPERTY MAGAZINE AGREEMENT WHICH SOLIDIFIES THE ALLIANCE

Modena, September 5th 2009;

The Panini Group and Disney Publishing Worldwide are delighted to announce the signing of a multi-year, multi-territory, multi-character agreement which makes Panini the publisher of a  number of popular and iconic Disney magazines in key European markets.

This new agreement consolidates Panini's role as a relevant Disney publishing partner, with magazine activity in UK, Ireland, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Austria and Brazil, and with a product portfolio ranging from modern classics such as DISNEY FAIRIES and W.I.T.C.H. to hip, TV tie-in titles such as HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL, PLAYHOUSE DISNEY and HANNAH MONTANA.

Panini will also be originating new magazines based on Disney properties that will be start to be launched in 2008 on the UK market. Panini will use its flair and expertise in developing strong and appealing new publications based on licensed content to create this whole new wave of periodical Disney publishing, thus strengthening its activity as a creative and innovative publishing  partner for top international brands.

This new publishing program complements and strengthens the ongoing multi-territory relationship between Disney and Panini in the Sticker album  market  that has been a pivotal relationship for both companies for over 38 years.

Marco M. Lupoi, Licensing Director of Panini's Publishing Division, declared: "Panini has seen its' relationship with Disney grow beyond the world of collectibles and into the universe of magazines with last year's incredible success of the HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL publication.  This is a hit all over Panini's territories and is for example already the UK's number one girls' magazine. This new agreement allows us to grow the relationship and launch some of the most exciting Disney titles in core European countries... and to create three new titles is a great honour as well as a great challenge which we will look forward to."

"At Disney Publishing Worldwide we strive to continually develop compelling magazine concepts and new formats that leverage our exciting new Disney-branded properties created each year such as the recent hit franchises of High School Musical, Disney Fairies, and The World of Cars," commented Jonathan Symington, vice president and general manager, Global Licensing, Disney Publishing Worldwide. Today's announcement underscores the importance of the successful and fruitful relationship we have with the Panini Group. Together we continue to delight young readers with original stories, activities, and news about the Disney characters with whom they love and identify with around the world."

To download official high definition images, go to the website: http://www.panini4professionals.com

Disney Publishing Worldwide
Disney Publishing Worldwide is the world's #1 publisher of children's magazines, reaching 100 million readers monthly through its over 400 kids' magazines.
With more than 200 million copies sold annually across 75 countries in 85 languages, Disney represents approximately 50% of children's magazines sold in the world.
For further information contact:
Ufficio Stampa Walt Disney Publishing Worldwide Italia
Via S.Sandri, 1 - 20121 Milano
Responsabile: Giovanna Quattro - Tel: 02.29085.385 - e.mail: giovanna.quattro@disney.com
Valeria Conigliaro – Tel: 02.29085.387 – e.mail: italy.ufficio.stampa@disney.com