The American Kennel Club (AKC) has signed a three-year agreement with 4Kids Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: KDE) to serve as the organization's exclusive licensing representative in all categories of children's toys and quick-service (or fast food) restaurant promotions.

4Kids Entertainment represents such well-known brands as Pokemon, Cabbage Patch Kids, Nintendo and Yu-Gi-Oh! 4Kids also provides television programming, including Fox's Saturday morning children's block. One of the priorities of the 4Kids licensing campaign will be the creation of a plush program featuring AKC-recognized breeds of purebred dogs.
The agreement with 4Kids reflects our increased emphasis on building equity in our brand and complements our efforts to foster awareness and understanding of the AKC and its programs with the general public, said Dennis Sprung, AKC Vice President of Corporate Relations. As a leader in children's and family licensing and entertainment, 4Kids Entertainment is an ideal partner to help us deepen the public's appreciation and interest in purebred dogs.

We are delighted to be working with such a prestigious organization, said Al Kahn, Chairman and CEO of 4Kids Entertainment. 4Kids looks forward to developing unique and entertaining products that will communicate to children nationwide about responsible dog ownership and educate them about the many breeds of dogs registered by the AKC.