Rubicon Jordan and Japan's Sun R&P agree to a multi-level strategic partnership

The agreement, which marks the dawn of a new era of cooperation in the animation and licensing business between Japan and the entire Middle East, was announced at Café Zip Zap, Tokyo's popular all-American grill, on the occasion of "Pink Panther Month." The agreement was entered into by Kotaro Sunamori, president for Sun R&P, and Randa Ayoubi, chief executive officer, for Rubicon. Attending the ceremony were the Jordanian Ambassador to Japan, H.E. Mr Samir Naouri, and the Jordanian Commercial Attaché.

The terms of the strategic business relationship between the two companies include the introduction of various Japanese animation and character properties into the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region through the newly established licensing and merchandising division of Rubicon, which is based in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates. Rubicon will introduce more than 20 Japanese animation characters to the region through all-embracing licensing programs, which will engage Rubicon from contract negotiation to royalty management.

Under the terms of the agreement, Rubicon, with Sun R&P, will also explore co-production opportunities of animated television series, such as Angel Cat Sugar and other famous Japanese characters.

This agreement will also extend Rubicon's foray into content creation, licensing and merchandising and will see the introduction of its intellectual property assets and animation characters into the Japanese market.

Kotaro Sunamori, president of Sun R&P, said, "Sun R&P represents some of the giants of the US motion picture studios and has set a high standard in entertainment in Japan. We are very excited to be in partnership with Rubicon, a leading Jordanian animation company that is responsible for launching a whole new industry in Jordan and that has the same regard for quality as we do. We are extremely delighted to extend Japanese content and IP into the MENA region and introduce Jordanian characters into the Japanese animation milieu, which is very much at the forefront of development."

Randa Ayoubi, chief executive officer of Rubicon, said, "Jordan and Japan are true partners in the creativity business right now. This alliance with Japan's leading player, Sun R&P is yet another landmark on Rubicon's success journey in the animation business. This means that we are moving closer and closer to realizing our vision of going international in the animation, licensing and merchandising business and partnering with the biggest entertainment and content providers."