4Kids Entertainment has snapped up US broadcast and merch rights for Nelvana Enterprises’ action-adventure toon Di-Gata Defenders. The series will bow on 4Kids TV on Saturday mornings, beginning July 28.

Di-Gata currently airs on Canuck net Teletoon and Nelvana has already appointed Toronto, Canada-based Spin Master to produce a toy line that will include dice, trading cards and action figures. The company has also lined up Game Factory to create a Di-Gata title for the Nintendo DS platform. Both licensees will launch product in spring 2008. In the meantime, 4Kids will get to work on lining up more US merch deals to support the initial product rollout.

The series, co-produced by Nelvana and LuxAnimation, follows the adventures of four young heroes as they protect the Realm against the evil Order of Infinis.