Hop! Channel has signed with agent Space Enterprises for cable and satellite rights in Israel for preschool series "The Hive," a 2009 Licensing Challenge finalist.

The new four-year deal adds to existing broadcasting agreements, including Walt Disney Company EMEA, which will show the series in 2011 on Playhouse Disney in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Southeast Asia, Korea, Japan, India, Latin America, Scandinavia, Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Playhouse Disney in the U.S. and U.K. have also taken an option on the agreement, which could see them showing "The Hive" in the future. Terrestrial deals will see the series broadcast on GMTV in the U.K., as well as Australia, Finland, Poland and Romania.  

The Hive's licensing program includes Aykroyds TDP and Blues Clothing, which are set to produce a range of nightwear/underwear and children's apparel respectively, while ITV is on board for DVDs and EMI has a worldwide license for music publishing. Space is also looking to extend the brand across other categories such as toys and publishing.

Licensing Challenge, co-sponsored by License! Global and Advanstar Global Licensing Group, is a pitching session designed to showcase the TV property with the greatest licensing potential. The annual competition is held in the fall at Mipcom.