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Multi-award-winning animation studio, Aardman, has announced a licensing partnership for Farm Attractions and Family Entertainment Centres with Max-Matching Entertainments in China. The partnership will deliver engaging and entertaining outdoor and indoor visitor experiences featuring Aardman’s classic brand, Shaun the Sheep.

Max-Matching Entertainments is a leading developer, investor, and operator of location-based entertainment in China with rapid expansion across Asia.

The partnership between Aardman and Max-Matching Entertainments will build on Aardman’s successful Shaun the Sheep Farm Attractions in Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Sweden and the UK and Max-Matching Entertainments’ established success in launching themed entertainment projects in China featuring international IP, including outdoor and indoor parks, themed hotels, and themed retail experiences.

Design and production are due to begin in 2024, with the first Shaun the Sheep attraction in China scheduled to launch in 2027.

Ngaio Harding-Hill, Head of Attractions & Live Experiences at Aardman advised “partnering with Max-Matching Entertainments provides Aardman with the opportunity to expand Shaun the Sheep’s presence within China, taking it into the strategically important LBE sector and offering fans the ultimate experience of immersing themselves in the world of Shaun the Sheep.”

Owen Zhao, President of Max-Matching Entertainments added “Max-Matching Entertainments has been deeply cultivating internationally top IP-themed LBE projects, specialised in outdoor theme parks and indoor FECs. We will make every effort to facilitate IP projects beloved by Chinese consumers in China, cooperating with Aardman, a global leading animation and entertainments company.”

More information on Aardman Attractions and Live Experiences 

More information on Max-Matching Entertainments

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