Teshkeel Media Group KSC announced that it has named Paris Arabesques as its new licensing representative in France and French speaking Belgium and Switzerland.

In addition, Paris Arabesques will handle non-exclusive merchandising representation in Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria. Paris Arabesques will oversee all sales, retail, merchandising and marketing of THE 99 in French Europe and Northern Africa, important territories that represent tremendous growth potential for THE 99 brand.

The appointment of Paris Arabesques is the first step in Teshkeel's aggressive international expansion plans for THE 99 property in 2008. The announcement comes in the wake of FORBES.COM naming THE 99 one of the 'Top 20 Trends Sweeping the Globe' and Teshkeel begins a new round of development of the property in publishing, online, animation and other categories.

Paris Arabesques will look to build relationships with French licensees and cultivate new categories and products across various territories. Paris Arabesques will work closely with licensees on product development, positioning, and rollout strategies for various different merchandise categories. Paris Arabesques will also work with local retailers to ensure successful promotion of THE 99 franchise.

'Najoua Mounib and her team at Paris Arabesques have an extensive knowledge of the French speaking territories in Europe and Northern Africa. We will use that experience to bring greater focus to our marketing and licensing efforts for THE 99 in these territories. Working together, I'm sure we will significantly increase consumer awareness and the size of our business in the region,' said Dr. Naif Al-Mutawa, CEO of Teshkeel Media Group, KSC.

'Paris Arabesques is thrilled to be working with Teshkeel and the unique property that is THE 99,' said Najoua Mounib, President Paris Arabesques. 'THE 99 characters are hugely exciting and appealing to kids across the world. We believe that we will achieve tremendous success by continuing to build on the strength of this amazing property with innovative, brand-building licenses and merchandising programs.'