E1 is in the Hoze Houndz business, having signed a long-term distribution deal with Amberwood Entertainment. The agreement will see E1 handle world rights for the Ottawa company’s first-run and selected kids programming. E1 will also act as the global sales agent for its Rob the Robot cartoon and will have first-look privileges on all future projects.

The deal represents 240 half-hours of programming. Other Amberwood titles include the popular The Secret World of Benjamin Bear, Zeroman and Hoze Houndz.

‘Amberwood is one of Canada’s most prestigious producers of high-quality children and family programming,’ said Peter Emerson, president of E1 Television in a statement. ‘This distribution agreement and first look arrangement compliments our overall strategy to grow our global kids business.’

Amberwood previously handled world distribution on its own.