SYDNEY and SAN FRANCISCO, March 31, 2016 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest publisher, distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, and Simon & Schuster Australia announce a comprehensive sales and distribution agreement to manage VIZ Media’s extensive manga (graphic novel) catalogue across Australia and New Zealand.

Simon & Schuster has been the exclusive distribution partner of VIZ Media for the United States and Canadian markets since 2004, the United Kingdom since 2007, and India starting in 2014. The new agreement will see the Australian arm of the business provide a full range of retail and wholesale distribution services for VIZ Media’s substantial library of manga titles. Simon & Schuster Australia will also manage the distribution of all VIZ Media’s imprints including Shonen Jump, Shonen Jump Advanced, Shojo Beat, Shonen Sunday, Perfect Square, VIZ Signature, Studio Ghibli Library and Haikasoru.

“I am delighted to join my colleagues in New York, London and New Delhi in bringing VIZ Media to our customers in Australia and New Zealand,” said Dan Ruffino, Managing Director of Simon & Schuster Australia. “We know there is a keen market here and look forward to working closely with VIZ Media to grow sales and awareness.”

“Simon & Schuster is a key strategic partner for VIZ Media, and together we share a strong commitment to support a fervent international fan base for high quality established series as well as emerging new titles,” said Kevin Hamric, Senior Director, Publishing Sales & Marketing, VIZ Media. “Australia and New Zealand are extremely strong markets for manga, and we look forward to working closely with Simon & Schuster Australia to bring a variety of exciting titles to a wide range of readers.”