FremantleMedia Enterprises has signed a string of new European licensing deals for Rebecca Bonbon, the Japanese character created by the original Hello Kitty designer Yuko Shimizu.

Italy's Sicem International will make 200 SKUs of ladies' and girls' fashion apparel for an initial launch in January 2011 at Oviesse retailers. JF Ramos in Portugal will produce girls' apparel and distribute stationery for launch in February 2011. The 2011 UK product rollout leads with fashion lines, and there are nightwear and daywear deals in the pipeline. Impex will launch fashion bags, Groovy will launch jewellery, and Roy Lowe and Sons will launch Rebecca Bonbon-branded socks and tights for girls and women. Groovy also will create gifts and housewares, including lava and glitter lamps, wall mirrors, door curtains, ceramics and decorated glassware. Other key categories for launch include toiletries, cosmetics and greeting cards.

In Germany, a fashion deal has been done with Germany's biggest multi-channel retailer, Otto. Rebecca Bonbon apparel is available now through the Otto website and mail order catalogue. Other European licensees include Alpa, which is producing 60,000 branded products; the Leomil Group for footwear and apparel; Manifatture Zotti for apparel; Germany's Trend Import; and UK stationery company Blueprint.

FME's Mark Newton, comments: "FME is growing Rebecca Bonbon as a global lifestyle and fashion brand, and partnering with licensees who understand the local markets plays a major part in developing the brand. Her universal charm continues to appeal to both consumers and licensees, with whom we share the same vision."