HIT Entertainment VP Asia Antonio Huab commented, "We are delighted to be extending our partnership with Cartoon Network India. India is an important and growing market for HIT, and Cartoon Network offers a perfect broadcast and merchandise licensing partner for HIT's world-class properties."

Turner will manage the licensing rights for Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends and Bob the Builder across key categories including apparel and accessories, stationery, toys and games. This extended agreement augments Cartoon Network Enterprises (CNE) - the licensing and merchandising division of Cartoon Network and POGO - consistently growing third party licensing portfolio to five renowned properties across segments such as Hollywood, Bollywood, teens and now preschool.

Commenting on the strategic tie-up, CNE executive director (India and South Asia) Jiggy George said, "Preschool is a critical segment for us both on the Network and on the licensing front. The shows (Bob The Builder and Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends) are already a huge hit on our channels and given our expertise and success with promoting products based on television series, we aim to make Thomas and Friends and Bob the Builder products a must-have for Indian consumers."