Marking their first foray into brand management of digital brands, eOne will handle worldwide distribution rights for the property across all media including, TV, Home Entertainment, Licensing and Online.

Entertainment One (eOne) has announced it has entered into a partnership with Simon’s Cat Ltd. on YouTube megabrand Simon’s Cat.

Under the deal, eOne will handle worldwide distribution rights for the property across all media including, TV, Home Entertainment, Licensing and Online.

Olivier Dumont, managing director, eOne Licensing & eOne Family, commented: “This deal marks eOne’s first major step towards the development of licensing programs for brands conceived in the non-linear space for a broader audience. Online content is being consumed by audiences around the world like never before, thus creating a unique sort of brand awareness that we’re eager to harness.

“The brilliantly funny Simon’s Cat is a perfect illustration of this strategic move and while we remain focused on the traditional approach of licensing TV properties, we’re excited to embark on this new frontier.”

Simon’s Cat shorts have generated 358m views online since its creation in 2008, with 1.72m subscribers on its core YouTube channel.

“I’m delighted that Simon’s Cat is now working in partnership with eOne and feel that this move represents the start of an exciting new phase for our character brand,” added Simon’s Cat Ltd.’s Mike Bell.

“Over five years, Simon’s Cat has grown its licensing and publishing success by continuing to develop itsroots in the digital space, and as such we’re fortunate to have a rapidly expanding international audience. eOne’s renowned expertise in distribution and development will allow us to be so much more effective in introducing the exciting Simon’s Cat content we have planned to new and existing fans worldwide, both online and offline.”