ZDF Enterprises, the distribution arm of German public broadcaster ZDF, has been awarded a four-year extension to represent ARD- and ZDF-owned children’s channel KiKA.

Following an EU-wide public invitation to tender in 2017, the new four-year extension will see the companies continue a relationship that began in 2012.

Going forward, ZDF Enterprises and KiKA will look to grow their licensing program, bolster international TV sales and distribution, and strengthen KiKa’s umbrella brand, which added preschool brand Kikaninchen in 2015.

ZDF will also continue to rep the global marketing rights to all shows where KiKA holds the rights, as well as handle KiKA original brands including Baumhaus, Bernd das Brot, Ene Mene Bu, Kikaninchen, KiKA Live, and TanzAlarm.

According to GfK audience measurement charts, KiKA’s most recent 28.1% market share currently leads the preschool children’s market in Germany. As for its target group of kids ages three to 13, the channel secured a market share of 18.3% in 2017, placing it at the same level as competitor Super RTL.

KiKA also recently increased its digital presence with the launch of a new Facebook page, a relaunch of preschool children’s website kikaninchen.de and the release of the first free Kikaninchen app.