Day: November 14, 2022

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MGA Establishes MGA Studios with $500 million in Cash and Assets; Acquires Pixel Zoo Animation

The move signals MGA’s strong commitment to growing its dominance in the rapidly evolving digital entertainment landscape by pursuing strategic gaming and tech acquisitions or partners

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 14, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MGA Entertainment, Inc. (MGA), one of the world’s largest and fastest growing privately held toy and entertainment companies, announced today the formation of MGA Studios, an independent subsidiary of MGA, backed with more than a half billion dollars in cash and assets. This move underscores MGA’s continued commitment to a rapidly evolving digital entertainment landscape.  In fact, more than 35 years ago, when it wasn’t usual in the toy industry to incorporate entertainment, MGA embraced it and changed the company name from Micro Games of America to MGA Entertainment, Inc.

“While continued innovation in the toy category remains a key driver for our business, we understand the world is changing and are fully committed to carrying our winning legacy into this new and evolving digital landscape,” said Isaac Larian, Founder and CEO, MGA Entertainment, Inc. “In addition to growing our large catalogue of television, movie and streaming content, through MGA Studios we aim to create smaller and safer mini universes for our children to grow and develop in a seamless digital and physical entertainment ecosystem.”

MGA Entertainment also announced today that Pixel Zoo Animation, one of the leading digital animation studios globally, is MGA Studios’ first acquisition. During the past several years, Pixel Zoo has pushed the limits of high-quality animation and content for children and families. Paul Gillett, Founder and CEO of Pixel Zoo, will continue in his role supporting MGA Studios’ growth into a dominant position globally.

“During the past few years, we have been extremely impressed by MGA’s brands, how they partner with their suppliers, as well as their creative and execution capabilities. Intellectual Property development has always been an important part of our studio and this opportunity allows our team to show the world what we can do,” said Gillett. “Working with MGA has been one of the most rewarding experiences we have had, so partnering with them is the next natural step for us. I am excited for our studio to be the first foundational building block of MGA Studios.”

MGA Studios will be charged with independently developing and growing a digital presence through acquisitions, partnerships, and in-house development of innovative content and original intellectual property (IP). MGA Studios will leverage MGA Entertainment’s existing and future IP including L.O.L. Surprise!™, Little Tikes® Let’s Go Cozy Coupe®, Rainbow High™, Bratz®, Baby Born®, Mermaze Mermaidz™, Na! Na! Na! Surprise™, and more, with great new content and brands coming soon.

“MGA Entertainment has demonstrated time and again our ability to create multiple blockbuster brands from the ground up. The purpose of MGA Studios will be to facilitate the expansion of these brands beyond the toy aisle and turn them into true transmedia franchises, including entertainment, gaming, and online experiences,” said MGA Studios President, Jason Larian. “We are committed to bringing new partners into the fold to help realize our vision and the Pixel Zoo acquisition is the first step of many on this journey.”

MGA Entertainment and Pixel Zoo have collaborated on many notable projects during the last several years including L.O.L. Surprise! The Movie, available on Netflix; L.O.L. Surprise! House of Surprises series, available on YouTube and Netflix; Rainbow High series, available on YouTube and Netflix; Mermaze Mermaidz series, available on YouTube; Let’s Go Cozy Coupe series, available on YouTube and Amazon; and more. Their latest project together, L.O.L. Surprise! Winter Fashion Show movie, premiered on Netflix this past October.

About MGA Entertainment

MGA Entertainment is one of the world’s fastest growing and largest privately held toy and entertainment companies. Headquartered in Chatsworth, Calif. and with offices globally, the company creates innovative, proprietary, and licensed consumer products and entertainment, including toys, games, dolls, apparel, consumer electronics, home décor, stationery, sporting goods, movies, and television series. The MGA family includes award-winning brands such as L.O.L. Surprise!™, Little Tikes®, Rainbow High™, Shadow High™, Bratz®, MGA’s Miniverse™, Na! Na! Na! Surprise™, Mermaze Mermaidz™ Color Change, Micro Games of America™, Baby Born® Surprise and Zapf Creation®. For more information, please visit us at www.mgae.com or check us out at LinkedIn or Twitter.

About MGA Studios

MGA Studios is an independent subsidiary of MGA Entertainment, Inc. and a Delaware C-corp. The company is focused on developing and growing a safe digital environment for children and families to come together and enjoy wholesome entertainment across digital and physical platforms. MGA Studios has rights to more than 7,000 trademarks, patents, and copyrighted works and has financial backing of MGA Entertainment, Inc. For more information, please visit  www.MGAStudios.com

About Pixel Zoo 

Pixel Zoo is a full-service animation studio that has focused on digital content in both short and long forms. Based in Brisbane, Australia, Pixel Zoo is at the cutting edge of animation, pushing the boundaries and developing new techniques that have continually kept them on top as the industry develops and changes around them. Lead by a team of creatives Pixel Zoo prides itself on delivering a product that speaks for itself.

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NOTE TO EDITOR: Video clips and stills available of animated series and movie on request.

Attachments

Alan Hilowitz
MGA Entertainment, Inc.
+1.818.221.4431
news@mgae.com


GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8695466
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Higer Bus Company Serves COP27 with Electric Buses

SUZHOU, China, Nov. 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — On November 6, 2022, the 27th UN Climate Change Conference (COP27) kicked off in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. The conference focuses on “implementation” and discusses climate issues from a practical level. As the only Chinese bus brand serving COP27, thirty units of Higer’s electric buses provide the zero-carbon shuttle service for the conference. Higer bus, China’s leading clean technology bus company, shows the commitment and strength to serve such international conferences and provides China’s solution to climate challenges in the global public transportation industry.

Higer Bus Company Serves COP27 with Electric Buses

The buses, jointly built by Higer and its Egyptian partner, G Company, are operated between Sharm el-Sheikh, the blue zone and green zone of the venue, providing excellent services for government officials and international organization representatives. The futuristic design language, zero-carbon emissions and comfortable riding experience have attracted the attention and praise of people from all walks of life.

In 2020, G Company and Higer Bus agreed on localization bus production to achieve Egypt’s environmental-friendly ambitions. As a result, G Company has invested in constructing a modern manufacturing infrastructure and started to produce Higer’s cleantech bus. Higer’s extensive experience in overseas KD projects and shared green vision, aligned the two parties and signed a contract to build electric buses in Egypt for the transportation services of COP27.

People familiar with the matter said these customized buses, painted with unique conference patterns, air suspension and increased capacity of the air conditioner and battery, are designed for Egypt’s local environment and COP27 shuttle service needs.

“We have formed and dispatched a COP27 special task force of thirteen seasoned veteran engineers with G Company. The team is responsible for maintenance of the vehicles to ensure the smooth operation during the conference,” said an on-site Higer service staff.

In the context of the increasing energy crisis and extreme climate events, the electric and low-carbon transformation of the transportation industry has become a global consensus. Xia Guolin, Africa Manager of Higer Bus, said, “To achieve the goal of low-carbon emission reduction, the transportation industry needs to accelerate the reform process. The joint project shows Egypt’s commitment to accelerate the transformation of zero-emission public transport, and China’s sustainable mobility solutions to counter climate change.”

The COP27 demonstrates the growing determination to tackle the world’s climate challenges. To proactively respond to the conference’s initiative, Higer Bus will continuously contribute to energy conservation and emission reduction, by bringing more reliable cleantech products and efficient services, building a sustainable future in terms of harmonious coexistence between humans, vehicle and nature.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1945891/Higer_Bus_Company_Serves_COP27_with_Electric_Buses.jpg

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MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS APPOINTS SCOTT M. O’NEIL CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

World’s second-largest visitor attraction operator moves to its next exciting chapter as the partner of choice for bringing global IP and brands to life

LONDON, Nov. 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ —  Merlin Entertainments, Europe’s largest and the world’s second-largest visitor attraction operator, today announces the appointment of 25-year sports and entertainment industry veteran Scott M. O’Neil as Chief Executive Officer, effective 15 November 2022. O’Neil will be responsible for overseeing the business operations and global growth for Merlin Entertainments across its 147 attractions in 24 countries. O’Neil’s appointment comes following outgoing CEO Nick Varney’s decision to retire after 23 years.

Scott O'Neil

Merlin’s attractions include 10 LEGOLAND Resort Theme Parks and hotels, six Resort Theme Parks including Alton Towers, Heide Park and Gardaland, as well as a vibrant portfolio of renowned global brands in city destinations, such as SEA LIFE aquariums, Madame Tussauds, Peppa Pig World of Play, the Lastminute.com London Eye and Sydney Tower Eye. Merlin is continuing to expand, with three LEGOLAND Resorts in China under development and further openings planned across the US and Asia.

O’Neil was most recently CEO for Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE), a portfolio of sports, entertainment, and investment properties, where he oversaw more than $2bn growth in enterprise value, from $415m to $2.5bn, through his focus on talent, culture, and guest experience.

Under O’Neil’s leadership, HBSE evolved from managing a single team, the Philadelphia 76ers of the National Basketball Association, to an award-winning live sports and entertainment group. It now spans multiple professional teams, real estate holdings, an esports platform, a GRAMMY Museum, a top 10 internationally booked arena, a venture fund, innovation lab and Elevate, a growing sports marketing company.

O’Neil has led some of the top athletic brands in the world, including New York Knicks – NBA, New York Rangers – NHL, Philadelphia Eagles – NFL and the Philadelphia 76ers – NBA, where success is predicated on building the brand, driving attendance, leveraging data, engaging fans through the guest experience and partnering with big brands to drive growth.

Roland Hernandez, Chair of Merlin Entertainments, commented:

“Scott has significant experience in the entertainment industry, a proven track-record of delivering business transformation, and the vision and ambition to lead Merlin through the next exciting stages of its global development. The Board has every confidence in him, and we look forward to working closely together over the coming years.

“I would like to reiterate the Group’s thanks to Nick for his outstanding leadership of Merlin Entertainments over the last 23 years. Merlin is one of the best leisure businesses in the world thanks to his leadership, passion, and talent and we wish him all the best in his retirement.”

O’Neil, Chief Executive Officer designate, added:

“I am thrilled to be joining the Merlin family. There is an extraordinarily talented management team, a driven, ambitious, hardworking, team centric, can-do culture, and a board led by KIRKBI, Blackstone and CPPIB which is committed and focused on growth and driving value. Merlin partners with some of the top global brands including LEGO, Sony Pictures Entertainment and HASBRO and is a business with phenomenal tailwinds, whose purpose is to bring joy and make lasting memories for families and friends around the world.”

“Nick has built an incredible business and achieved unprecedented growth in this industry and yet there are still tremendous upside opportunities ahead to continue the momentum. We are actively building and searching for new attractions and sites. We are fortunate in that we are not constrained to a single studio or content pipeline and are seeking additional brand partners to redefine the attractions business. Merlin will also aggressively look to expand our offerings and experiences in our current attractions. I have been impressed by the talent, energy and dedication of the people at Merlin that I’ve met so far and am looking forward to working with the wider team to deliver on the exciting growth strategy.”

Nick Varney, retiring Chief Executive Officer, added:

“I am very proud of what we have achieved at Merlin over the past 23 years. We have built an incredible business with amazing attractions and brilliant people. I have every confidence that Merlin will go from strength to strength under Scott’s leadership over the coming years.”

Notes to Editors

About Merlin Entertainments

Merlin Entertainments is a global leader in location-based, family entertainment. As Europe’s Number 1 and the world’s second-largest visitor attraction operator, Merlin operates over 140 attractions, 23 hotels and 6 holiday villages in 24 countries and across 4 continents. Merlin’s purpose is to deliver memorable experiences to its millions of guests around the world, through its iconic brands and multiple attraction formats, and the commitment and passion of its employees.

See www.merlinentertainments.biz for more information and follow on Twitter @MerlinEntsNews.

About Scott O’Neil

Scott O’Neil has more than 25 years of experience in leading and managing global sports and entertainment brands. With a reputation for innovation, an eye for strategic and global brand development and partnerships, and a passion for culture and talent development, O’Neil has stewarded some of the sports and entertainment industry’s most renowned and iconic brands and properties, including the NBA’s New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers; the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles, the NHL’s New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils; and the internationally ranked sports and entertainment arenas, Madison Square Garden and Prudential Center.

His mission to build innovative, inspiring, diverse, socially impactful and high performing businesses and brands earned the organizations under O’Neil’s management acclaim in innovation and culture. He recently published a life leadership book entitled, ‘Be Where Your Feet Are’ published St. Martins Press.

O’Neil earned his bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Villanova University, and his master’s in Business Administration from Harvard Business School. He has been married for 26 years to wife Lisa, with whom he has three daughters.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1945976/Scott_ONeil.jpg

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Tia Lee Returns in 2022 with the Premiere of “Falling in the Deep”, First Episode of “Goodbye Princess” Animation Series

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 14 November 2022 – Tia Lee, Asian fashion icon, pop singer, film and television actress, has released a first-of-its-kind MV pre-release production that blends animation, music and fashion videography, to mark Tia’s return. Upon release of the “Goodbye Princess” animation trailer and the first episode of the 6-part series, an unprecedented record of over 13.65 million views were achieved for this unique form of storytelling and music launch within the first 72 hours.

Thematic image echoing content of the first animated episode.

The “Goodbye Princess” pre-release campaign kicks off with a 6-part animated animation series. Each 30-second episode has the spirit of a classic fictional “princess”, reconstructing age-old stories to tell a whimsical tale inspired by Tia’s own experiences and journey in entertainment industry. “Goodbye Princess” showcases Tia’s determination to break free from stereotypes and shake off biases that have been placed on her, paving the way forward to take ownership over her own destiny.

Today, Digital Cover themed “The Voice” and an in-depth interview of Tia Lee by Vogue Hong Kong was also released, allowing followers around the world to have a glimpse of Tia on her new refreshed journey towards female empowerment.

Credits to Vogue Hong Kong:

Photographer: Shin Sun Hye (@Studioioo)

Fashion Director: Sean K (@S.e.a.n.K)

Stylist: Kim Sun Young & Kim Jee Soo (@ES.Consultancy)

Hair: Jang Hye Yeon (@janghyeyeon_)

Make up: Lee Suk Kyung (@OngiBeauty)

Nail: Eun Kyung Park (@Nail_Unistella)

Executive Producer: Lee Kyung Kim at BL Creative House (@BLcreativehouse)

The first animation episode, “Falling in the Deep”, premiered on 11 November, featured a carefree mermaid swimming happily in a calm ocean. By chance, she spots an old television set on the seabed, which is the entrance to a tunnel that transcends time and space. Captivated by the lights, she swims into the tunnel’s kaleidoscope of imagination and temptation.

Suddenly, the mermaid realises that her tail has transformed into legs. Unable to swim, she sinks deeper into the ocean as a beam of light surrounds her. Will this beam of light come to the rescue of the mermaid? Or is it a sign of troubles to follow? What will she encounter next? The answers will be revealed in episode 2, to be released on 15 November (tomorrow).

“Goodbye Princess” animation series episode 1 poster.

Accompanying the premiere was a poster released on 12 November that explained the underlying messages of the animated short clip:

  1. The television set symbolises the start of Tia’s journey into the entertainment and fashion scene;
  2. The kaleidoscope reflects imaginations and temptations. The kaleidoscope also hides different easter eggs of Tia’s actual appearances and looks when she first joined the industry;
  3. The mermaid losing her tail calls out her helplessness upon realising the true nature of show business.

Complementing the stunning series is a set of motion and still images of Tia based on the same theme of “Falling in the Deep”, curated by award-winning Creative Director, Tony C. Miller. The motion and still images portray a stunning Tia in an iconic green couture dress underwater. While the production took under the water, it also overcame a big challenge – Tia’s fear of water.

This first animation and fashion videography series represents a breakthrough in MV pre-release execution and also a personal breakthrough for Tia. Stay tuned for more exciting development of Tia’s “GOODBYE PRINCESS” journey, which will be out soon!

Episode 2 release schedule:

Animation: 15 November
Animation Poster: 16 November
Motion & still images: 17 November

Official press materials:

“GOODBYE PRINCESS” Animation Episode 1: https://youtu.be/w8nG_R7fm20
“GOODBYE PRINCESS” Episode 1 Poster: https://www.instagram.com/p/Ck2gvCOvfbA/

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=679156036910954&set=a.231904644969431 (for downloading)
“GOODBYE PRINCESS” Episode 1 Still Image: https://www.instagram.com/p/Ck7qmJFvrJ-

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=681898139970077&set=a.231904644969431 (for downloading)
“GOODBYE PRINCESS” Episode 1 Motion Image: https://youtu.be/LNPmgPNA8aQ

 Tia Lee Official Channels:

Instagram @leeyufen: https://www.instagram.com/leeyufen/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tialeeofficial/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leeyufentialee/

Weibo: https://weibo.com/u/1396928042/

About Tia Lee:

Tia Lee (李毓芬), born in Taipei, is an Asian pop singer, film and television actress, model, and former member of the girl band Dream Girls. In addition to her acting roles and musical career, Tia appears frequently at major fashion shows. As a fashion icon and trend-setter, Tia has graced the covers of fashion, beauty and lifestyle magazines such as Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire, and shares her beauty and fashion tips through a number of Vogue’s social media channels.

Media enquiry, please contact:

global@redhill.asia

+852 60777342 | +852 93793045

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Dun & Bradstreet announces over 500M D–U–N–S® Numbers in its data cloud

Company reaches major milestone cementing its position as a global data leader

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Nov. 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Dun & Bradstreet a leading global provider of business decisioning data and analytics, today announced that its database of the world-renowned D–U–N–S® Number had crossed over 500 million records in the Dun & Bradstreet Data Cloud.

The D-U-N-S® Number is a Unique 9-Digit Identifier for businesses. D-U-N-S®, which stands for data universal numbering system, is used to maintain up-to-date and timely information on over half a billion global businesses. The D-U-N-S® Number is used around the world to identify and access information on businesses. A D-U-N-S® Number identifies a company’s Dun & Bradstreet business credit file, and the information in it can help potential partners and lenders learn about a business and make informed decisions about working with them as a client, supplier, or partner. Companies and governments around the world trust the D-U-N-S® Number to verify the legitimacy of a business.

“For decades companies have been using the D-U-N-S® Number to become credible and visible, find reliable businesses to work with, and become the foundation stone of an identity and business profile that drives business performance,” said Rajesh Mirchandani, Chief Executive Officer of Dun & Bradstreet South Asia Middle East Africa. “This extraordinary milestone of over 500 million D-U-N-S® Numbers drives home the sheer scale of Dun & Bradstreet’s business intelligence. We are the greatest aggregator of business records on the planet and make data work for our clients.”

To get their own unique D–U–N–S® Number, companies can reach out to their local Dun & Bradstreet South Asia Middle East Africa offices or contact our team through our website www.dnbsame.com.

About Dun & Bradstreet South Asia Middle East Africa

Dun & Bradstreet South Asia Middle East Africa (“DBSAME”) covers over 65 markets in South Asia, Middle East, and Africa bringing hyperlocal expertise to a global organization. DBSAME is part of the Dun & Bradstreet Worldwide Network. Dun & Bradstreet, a leading global provider of business decisioning data and analytics, enables companies around the world to improve their business performance. Dun & Bradstreet’s solutions and business intelligence generate insights that empower customers to accelerate revenue, lower costs, mitigate risk, and transform their businesses. Since 1841, companies of every size have relied on Dun & Bradstreet to help them manage risk and reveal opportunity. For more information on Dun & Bradstreet, please visit www.dnbsame.com.

Media contact:
Firas Al Sabbagh
General Manager
Dun & Bradstreet Saudi Arabia Limited
Info@dnbsame.com

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US offers $10m reward for info on three Al-Shabab ringleaders

Nairobi The United States offered a $10 million reward to persons who will provide information leading to the arrest of three Al-Shabaab Khawarij ringleaders.

 

US embassy in Nairobi said the ringleaders are responsible for numerous terrorist attacks in Somalia, Kenya and neighbouring countries that have killed hundreds of people.

 

According to a statement on Monday issued by the embassy, the three terror group ringleaders are Mahad Karate, Jehad Mostafa, and Ahmed Diriye.

 

“The informants are urged to submit the information through Signal, Telegram or WhatsApp to +254-71-87-12-366 (Kenya) or +252-68-43-43-308 (Somalia),” the embassy added.

 

Source: Somali National News Agency

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Security forces nab extremism ideology spreader

Mogadishu Security forces have last night arrested Mustaf Ali Anod, a hate preacher who spreads violent extremism ideology and funnels his followers towards terrorism.

 

He was apprehended in Elasha-Biyaha, outskirts of Mogadishu while trying to escape, according to Ministry of Information statement.

 

Source: Somali National News Agency