ACF 1708: Simon & Schuster and VIZ Media renew partnership

SIMON & SCHUSTER AND VIZ MEDIA

RENEW SALES AND DISTRIBUTION PARTNERSHIP

Global Publishing Leader To Continue To Offer Retail

And Wholesale Distribution And Develop New Markets

For North America’s Foremost Manga Company

Simon & Schuster, Inc., a global publishing leader, and VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest publisher, distributor and licensor of manga, graphic novels, and anime in North America, today announced a renewal of their sales and distribution partnership.

Simon & Schuster has been the exclusive distributor of VIZ Media manga titles (graphic novels) for the U.S. and Canadian markets since June 2004, providing retail and wholesale distribution services including warehousing, fulfillment, customer service, and accounts receivable collection for its vast library of titles.

Under the terms of the agreement, Simon & Schuster will continue to manage distribution for all of VIZ Media’s imprints, including Shonen Jump, Shonen Jump Advanced, Shojo Beat, VIZ Kids, VIZ Signature, Studio Ghibli Library and Haikasoru.

“We are dedicated to bringing an extensive cross section of first class titles to a worldwide audience of readers, and we are very gratified by the extension of our successful relationship with VIZ Media,” says Michael Selleck, Simon & Schuster Executive Vice President, Sales & Marketing. “Manga continues to have a strong and growing fan base, and we look forward to working with VIZ Media to insure its presence in our existing and new retail channels for current and future readers.”

“Simon & Schuster has been instrumental in helping VIZ Media to substantially grow sales and maneuver through an ever-changing landscape of brick and mortar retailers, and they have always demonstrated an eagerness to effectively grow the North American manga market,” says Alvin Lu, VIZ Media Executive Vice President, Publishing. “Simon & Schuster has been a tremendous partner for VIZ Media for the past 8 years, and we look forward to continuing our successful collaboration for many years to come.”