Including ZAG celebrating the retail reach of Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir.
The Source rounds up more news from the licensing industry across the globe from the week.
ZAG is continuing to increase the retail reach for Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir, with 230+ licensees across the globe. Products managed by ZAG America and 17 licensing agents – including Bulldog Licensing in the UK – are rolling out across Europe, Latin America and the US. Several retailers in Spain, the UK, France and Brazil have made significant in-store statements and are enjoying strong sell-through of Bandai’s toy line. Further new products will arrive this summer, during the back to school period and Christmas. Broadcasters including Netflix (US), Disney Channel (EMEA), TF1 (France) and Gloob (Brazil) among others have committed to broadcast series two and three.
Condé Nast has teamed with IMG to extend the award winning food lifestyle brand, Bon Appétit. IMG will licence the brand across the US and Canada, with the licensing programme inspired by Bon Appétit’s aim to provide its readers with the tools needed to bring menus to life. The brand covers food through the lens of cooking, fashion, travel, technology, design and home.
MGA Entertainment has teamed up with US frozen yoghurt franchise Menchie’s for a nationwide promotion available at Toys R Us. Num Noms will launch an exclusive Menchie’s ‘starter pack’ featuring the Menchie’s Sweet Friends. The promotion will begin in July.
Larkshead Media has opened a partner company in Ireland. The office – Larkshead Media Ireland – opened on May 1 and is located in Dublin city centre. The office will support Larkhead’s overall offering, which includes development, strategy, investment, licensing and merchandising and distribution, with an emphasis on kids’ programming.
The amazingly named Nurdys brand has appointed Seven Seas to represent it in Japan. Yukari Takeuchi, chief executive of Seven Seas, has over 20 years experience in the licensing industry and will be looking at categories including publishing, toys, stationery, personal care, backpacks, accessories, plush, food and apparel.
PR and communications agency MI PR Global has acquired Fizz Communications, a PR specialist in tech toys, gifts and gadgets. Simon Valins, md of Fizz Communications, and the team will remain with the business, with the head office relocating to the MI PR Global offices in Buckinghamshire.
CPLG is to handle the consumer products rights for long running teen series, Love, Divina across Europe. The popular show is co-produced by Televisa, Pol-ka Producciones and Federation Kids & Family and is broadcast in more than 40 countries.
This year’s Toy Trust Big Challenge raised almost £170,000, taking the charity’s overall challenge total to over £1 million. Over 200 toy industry professionals took part in events including a Tough Mudder, 10km walk and 80km and 125km cycle rides around the Cotswolds last weekend.
Roblox has hired Grace Francisco as its new vp of developer relations. She will be overseeing Roblox’s rapidly growing community of 1.7 million developers.
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