Nickelodeon plans to develop new Garfield content for all platforms and consumer products for a new generation of fans.

Viacom, through one of its subsidiaries, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Paws, the entity holding global intellectual property rights to the Garfield and the US Acres franchises, including corresponding rights related to content, consumer products, and location-based experiences. The acquisition is expected to close in the upcoming weeks.

The acquisition of Garfield is part of Nickelodeon’s strategy to be the home for the biggest kids and family franchises. It expands Nickelodeon’s growing portfolio of influential properties, which already includes SpongeBob SquarePants, Paw Patrol, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, the forthcoming Blue’s Clues & You!, the first-ever SpongeBob spinoff, Kamp Koral, and an all-new animated Star Trek series.

Nickelodeon’s president, Brian Robbins, said: “This acquisition marks another step in our evolution toward being kids’ first stop for the best new content and characters. We’re incredibly happy to have Garfield join our growing roster of globally loved franchises, and to introduce this cool cat to a new generation of fans.”

Following completion of the acquisition, Nickelodeon plans to develop a new Garfield animated television series. Global merchandising rights to Garfield will be managed by Viacom Nickelodeon Consumer Products (VNCP), including the property’s existing portfolio of licensees. Garfield creator Jim Davis will continue to produce the Garfield syndicated comic strip.

Pam Kaufman, President of VNCP, added: “Garfield is a global evergreen franchise that is a natural fit with Nickelodeon and our portfolio of iconic properties. With fans around the globe that span both kids and adults, we are excited to ignite Garfield into a multi-generational consumer products juggernaut and further deliver on VNCP’s ‘Every Age, Every Aisle’ mission.”