Mattel Inc, the world's largest toymaker, expanded its partnership with Time Warner Inc to make toys based on DC Comics characters such as Aquaman and Wonder Woman. Mattel will have access to all of DC Comics' more than 1,000 heroes and villains as part of the multiyear agreement, the companies said on Friday.
The financial terms weren't disclosed. Mattel began making toys and games related to DC Comics' Batman and Superman in 2000. Hasbro Inc, the world's second-largest toymaker, works with Marvel Entertainment Inc to develop toys based on Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four and other Marvel Comics heroes.
"Comic-book characters such as Batman and Superman will always sell a certain amount of toys," said Gerrick Johnson, an analyst at BMO Capital Markets in New York. "The past few years have brought a new wave of popularity of superheroes tied to movies."
He rates the shares "market perform."
Time Warner's Warner Bros consumer products division announced last week that, next year, Mattel will make action figures, vehicles and other toys for its films Speed Racer and The Dark Knight, a new Batman movie.
DC Comics trademarks may be used in Mattel's Hot Wheels, Radica, Fisher-Price and Tyco toy lines.
The company, based in El Segundo, California, also makes Barbie dolls.
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