VIZ MEDIA EUROPE APPOINTS

TWO NEW EXECUTIVES

Pascal Bonnet to Head Up Licensing & Brand Management Isabelle Aghina to Oversee TV & DVD Sales and Distribution

Pascal Bonnet will spearhead the licensing and brand management strategies of VME’s new animated series. He will work closely with key partners throughout Europe to grow VME’s consumer products business and to ensure a consistent and effective brand strategy across all media.

Isabelle Aghina will lead VME’s television and DVD sales and distribution efforts throughout Europe, Africa and Middle East. Both will report to VME’s President/Gérant, John Easum.

Mr. Bonnet has over 14 years of experience in licensing and brand management, most recently as US Director of Licensing for UBISOFT, where he oversaw the acquisition of a variety of blockbuster video games such as Naruto, King Kong, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Prior to joining UBISOFT, Mr. Bonnet oversaw brand management at Bandai France.

“I am very excited to join VIZ Media Europe and to return to Paris,”

says Bonnet. “VIZ Media is one of the most innovative companies in the area of Japanese content, and its impressive track record in North America should help us accelerate our expansion in Europe. I am looking forward to building stronger relationships with the best partners in this region.”

Ms. Aghina has over 10 years of experience in television sales and distribution having most recently held the position of VP of International Sales at Marathon Group. Prior to Marathon Group, Aghina worked for Buena Vista International Television and Saban International.

Aghina explains, “I am thrilled to be joining the premiere company in the area of Japanese content. There is so much excitement in Europe for Japanese animation and manga, and VIZ Media is clearly on the cutting edge of this movement.”

“Pascal and Isabelle will make a huge contribution to VIZ Media Europe,”

explains John Easum, President/Gérant of VIZ Media Europe. “Both are seasoned experts with a broad range of international experience and leadership skills. Pascal brings with him vast experience in the video game and toy industries. Isabelle has a long track record of success building television sales with leading entertainment companies. Pascal and Isabelle will be responsible for driving VIZ Media Europe’s growth and brand strategies for a variety of new properties for all demographics.”

About VIZ Media, LLC

Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content.

Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan Production Co., Ltd. (ShoPro Japan), VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America and a global licensor of Japanese animation. The company offers an integrated product line including, magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, videos, DVDs, audio soundtracks and develops and markets animated entertainment from initial production, television placement and distribution, to merchandise licensing and promotions for audiences and consumers of all ages.

About VIZ Media Europe, S.A.R.L. (VME)

Headquartered in Paris, France, VIZ Media Europe (VME) is a subsidiary of San Francisco-based VIZ Media, LLC. VME specializes in the development, marketing and distribution throughout Europe of Japanese animated entertainment and graphic novels (manga). It handles some of the most popular Japanese manga and animation properties from initial production, through television placement and distribution to merchandise licensing and promotions for consumers of all ages. VME offers both “shonen” manga (aimed at male readers) and “shôjo” manga (aimed at female readers) properties owned by the largest Japanese publishing houses, Shueisha Inc. and Shogakukan Inc., as well as those properties licensed through animation & merchandising giant ShoPro (Japan). Current VME animated properties include BLEACH, DEATH NOTE, BLUE DRAGON, HONEY & CLOVER, M.A.R, ZOIDS GENESIS and KIRARIN.