SMC Entertainment has acquired North American rights to the CGI-animated television series "The Jungle Book," as well as a one-hour feature from DQ Entertainment. In addition, the company has also acquired master toy rights for Australia and New Zealand, and licensing and merchandising rights for South Africa.

SMC Entertainment, the entertainment and brand management division of Sun-Mate, will unveil new products for the property at American Toy Fair in February.

There are over 160 partners for "The Jungle Book" across the globe, including ZDF, TF1, CPLG, Empire Multimedia, Wild Pumpkin and Kenny & Co Entertainment.  

Licensees include Universal Music Group for worldwide music publishing rights; Hachette for publishing in the French language; Blue Ocean for magazine and publishing/stickers for German-speaking Europe; Bruno in Spain for publishing; and Quick for Magic Box (kids meals)across major European markets. 

In France (and most cases the Benelux region) Darpege makes outdoor sporting goods; School Pack produces back-to-school goods; Off Road makes footwear; and TV Mania makes apparel and kids accessories. 

In Germany, Universal Trends makes figurines, puzzles and board games; Reithmuller makes party goods; and DuMont Kalenderverlag produces wall calendars. 

In the U.K., Mookie produces toy; and C&M Licensing makes nightwear and underwear.  

In Israel, Spark Toys produces toys and games.

"The success of our TV series The Jungle Book is validated by the quality of partners it has attracted globally," says Tapaas Chakravarti, chairman and chief executive officer of DQE. "From licensing for TV broadcast to merchandizing across a varied range of products, the property has met with huge success and appealed to a new generation of children across all nationalities. We are delighted with the partnership with SMC for North America and South Africa and are convinced that they will do justice to this iconic brand. I am sure our beloved Jungle Book will see new highs in the hands of our new and able partners.”