LICENSINGVEGAS NEWS SPECIAL
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Restructure for Fox L&M Busy firm also reveals further plans for The Simpsons, Avatar and family brands... by Samantha Loveday 20TH CENTURY FOX enjoyed a busy week at Licensing International, unveiling a restructure of its licensing and merchandising division, as well as plans for some of its key brands. EVP Robert Marick revealed the new-look Fox Consumer Products, which will focus on global brand plans and international sales growth, with a number of top level staff joining. Heading the global brand management team will be Pam Kunick-Cohen (who arrives from Hit), while former Mattel man Ricardo Crespo is SVP of global creative. The global category management team is made up of Gary Rosenfeld, SVP new media; Lora Cohn, VP toys and social expressions; and Virginia King, VP fashion and home. Teams have also been developed to cover four regions: North America, EMEA and Asia Pacific and Latin America.
“Fox properties have huge consumer appeal and, with the new strategy in place, we are confident that we can take the business to new levels,” explained Marick. Further details were also revealed on the Avatar drive, which now boasts over 125 licensed products across toys, apparel, publishing and video games. New partners include Rubie’s, Mega Brands and Trends International among others. Meanwhile, The Simpsons programme continues to go from strength to strength following the introduction of the new style guide and packaging. The brand now has more than 400 licensees, with worldwide retail sales surpassing $8 billion. Going forward, Fox is also planning to build up the programmes for Rio, Ice Age, Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Alvin and the Chipmunks. Fox: 020 7437 7766
“CNE and Spin Master share the same values and have an aligned commitment to partnership, innovation and execution,” said Adam Beder, SVP global licensing and business affairs at Spin Master.
IN BRIEF 2010 X FACTOR LICENSING PUSH GETS UNDERWAY FremantleMedia Enterprises has revealed a raft of new deals for The X Factor in the UK. Nine new licensees have come on board including Blues, Fashion Lab, Danilo and Factory Entertainment among others. In addition, existing partners Aykroyds, HTI, Brand International and Clarity Vision are all extending their relationships with FME. FME: 020 7691 6000
MATTEL UNVEILS MONSTER HIGH FRANCHISE Mattel used Licensing International to unveil its new girls brand Monster High, which it will roll out across a number of categories simultaneously. The firm already has apparel and footwear deals, plus health and beauty collections, active lifestyle products and toys. Mattel: 01628 500000
MEGA BRANDS SIGNS HENSON DEAL
MARICK: Confident in new structure
Spin Master bags CN as licensing agent CARTOON NETWORK Enterprises has become the global licensing agent for Spin Master. Having already worked together on the Bakugan brand, the two companies will look to build on their relationship, with the deal giving CNE exclusive rights to create a wide range of consumer products for Spin Master’s portfolio. Three brands will take the initial focus – fashion doll property Liv, plush collectibles Zoobles and replica skateboards Tech Deck.
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“This, combined with the success we have shared since launching Bakugan in 2008, is the perfect segue into a long-standing alliance to further develop Spin Master’s core brands into consumer product.” CNE’s SVP Christina Miller added: “We view this as a great opportunity to both increase our leadership position in the boys marketplace with brands like Tech Deck, as well as increase our involvement in the girls’ space with Liv and Zoobles.” Spin Master: 01628 535000
Mega Brands has picked up the construction toy rights to Jim Henson’s new Dinosaur Train property. The range will launch in the US in spring 2011 and worldwide in the autumn. Mega Brands: 01844 350033
NEW SHOPPING CENTRE TOUR FOR NICKELODEON Nickelodeon is partnering with Capital Shopping Centres Group for a new tour featuring Spongebob Squarepants and Dora the Explorer throughout July and August. The initiative will take in seven venues, including Lakeside and Manchester’s Arndale centre. NCP: 020 7462 1000
PENGUIN JOINS CHAPMAN’S RAH RAH LINE-UP A five-year contract has been inked between Chapman and Penguin, seeing the firm become master publishing partner for new property Rah Rah. Chapman: 0870 403 0556
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JULY 2010