Carrefour Pens Worldwide Licensing Agreement With Marvel
International retailer The Carrefour Group has signed a worldwide licensing agreement with Marvel Entertainment for the use of its Hulk, Spider-Man and Iron Man characters on its textile collections. The agreement with Marvel follows the launch of Disney character textiles in 2003.

The two-year worldwide (excluding franchise stores) agreement with Marvel will see Carrefour sell some 50 textile products, including apparel, backpacks and school supplies.

In a statement Carrefour said that the agreement “covers some of the most sought-after licenses in Europe and the world. It also gives the Carrefour Group the opportunity to sell licensed products while still maintaining control over the production chain.”

The first products will hit the French market in November 2008 to coincide with the DVD release of Iron Man. The international roll-out of the line is slated for spring 2009.

Carrefour aims to become a key international player in apparel and textile retailing, and the 2003 Disney licensing deal was followed in 2006 with the launch of the home textiles and men’s ready-to-wear line Tex Création de M. Olivier Lapidus, and by the Tex by Max Azria line in 2007.

Carrefour is the world’s second largest retailer with some 15,000 stores in 30 countries.

UK Retailer And Brand Reports Released
UK supermarket Tesco and store group Debenhams released results this week that made analysts feel a little more positive about the retail sector—things were not as bad a predicted.

Debenhams released figures for the six months to March 1showing a pre-tax profit down from £105.5 million to £92 million on flat sales of just over £1 billion. Chief executive Rob Templeman pledged to reduce the retailer’s debt of £1 billion, because it was becoming an “issue.”

The much-anticipated Tesco results for the year to February 23 showed sales up 11 percent to £51.8 billion, and profit up 11.8 percent to £2.85 billion. On its overseas business trading, profit was up 24 percent to £700 million on sales up 25 percent to £13.8 billion. The retailer will report United States sales figures later in the year.

Luxury Brand and retailer Burberry turned in a revenue increase of 19 percent to £546 million for the six months to March 31. Handbags, shoes and scarves were the best sellers.

Meanwhile, Harrods has appointed James McArthur as chief executive. He was previously with Gucci Group. McArthur will report to Harrods chairman Mohamed Al Fayed.

Marvel Teams With HarperCollins For Major Spider-Man Publishing Program
Marvel Entertainment Inc. has partnered with HarperCollins Children’s Books to launch a children’s reading program featuring Marvel’s legendary wall-crawler, Spider-Man. The partnership with HarperCollins Children’s Books reflects Marvel’s strategy to maximize exposure for its leading Super Hero franchises and extend excitement for Spider-Man through new distribution channels. It also marks the first time that Marvel has extended the availability of its Spider-Man property into each major reading category for children with a publisher that has the reach of HarperCollins Children’s Books.

Through the partnership, HarperCollins Children’s Books will develop an extensive Spider-Man classic publishing program. The all-encompassing children’s reading program will include a number of different formats for all age groups, comprising story books, readers and chapter books, a phonics box and novelty gatefold. The initial line of titles will be available through mass and trade beginning in fall 2008.

“The children’s book publishing marketplace is an incredibly important and impactful avenue to capture new fans and entertain existing fans through its ability to keep young readers immersed in our character base,” says Paul Gitter, president of consumer products for North America, Marvel Entertainment. “This agreement not only marks another way for us to extend the reach of Spider-Man, but also provides a platform to use our renowned characters in a way that makes reading fun and easy for kids.”

Mr. Men and Little Miss Bring Personality to Steve & Barry’s
Steve & Barry’s and Chorion announce a collaboration that will bring the Mr. Men and Little Miss brand to Steve & Barry’s stores nationwide. The cast of characters, which includes Little Miss Sunshine, Little Miss Giggles, Little Miss Naughty, Mr. Perfect, and Mr. Lazy, resonate with “Generation Self-Ex” consumers who value self-expression and customization. Short-sleeved t-shirts for men, women, and juniors are expected to hit retail in fall 2008. Plans are also underway for expansion into other categories including long-sleeved t-shirts, tank tops, sweatshirts, underwear, sleepwear, loungewear, and accessories.
 
Viz’s ‘Death Note’ Coming to Theaters For Two Nights Only
Viz Pictures, an affiliate of Viz Media LLC that focuses on Japanese live-action film distribution, announces that it will team with NCM Fathom, the entertainment division of National CineMedia, to present a special two-night multi-city debut at over 300 theatres across the US for the live-action film Death Note on May 20 and 21. This two-night event includes a specially produced 20-minute feature on how the manga translates to live action as well as the first-ever interview with Director Shusuke Kaneko.

Death Note is based on the hit manga series written by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata. Tickets are available at presenting theatre box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com.
 
Ninja Turtles Prep For 25th Anniversary Celebration
Communications agency Peppercom and its experiential marketing division Peppercommotions have joined forces with Mirage Studios and 4Kids Entertainment to develop and execute the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ 25th Anniversary Shell-ebration. The team will create a year-long nationwide campaign—engaging new and established partners, audiences and media—for the official 2009 milestone of the iconic Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) brand.

Mirage Studios, the independent American comic book company founded in 1983 by Turtles’ creators Peter Laird and Kevin Eastman, and 4Kids Entertainment, TMNT master licensing agent and co-producer of the current animated TMNT series which airs on its 4Kids TV branded program block on Fox, will work with Peppercom to engage Turtles fans in numerous events highlighting the history, spirit, and continuing popularity of the brand. The Shell-ebration will encompass a broad range of initiatives, experiential events, digital and viral interactivity and cause-related activities close to the Turtles’ hearts.

Throughout 2008 and 2009, the TMNT25 team will look to expand the brand’s reach through additional promotional and licensing partnerships and marketing activities. The Shell-ebration will also include an innovative communications program supporting nationwide tours, events and activities emblematic of the property.
 
Anchor Bay Brings ‘Eon Kid’ to DVD
Anchor Bay Entertainment is releasing the first-ever DVD of the hit Kids’ WB! Saturday morning series “Eon Kid” on Aug. 12. “Eon Kid: Season One, Volume One” features the first five episodes of the series.
 
HIT Licensing Exec Scales Mt. Kilimanjaro for Cancer Charity
Jennifer Zivic, director of licensing at HIT Entertainment, recently climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro in aid of LIMA's Charity of Choice—The Children's Brain Tumor Foundation.

Jennifer's 19,341-foot trek has raised a total of $30,233 to date. Jennifer is giving the entire amount to the Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation, making her one of the largest individual contributors to LIMA's charity of choice to date.

Jennifer's climb and fund raising efforts were made in honor of her father.

MTV Networks International Expands Nickelodeon Presence Into Poland
MTV Networks International announces the launch of Nickelodeon Poland, the latest addition to its rapidly growing portfolio of channels in Central and Eastern Europe. Nickelodeon Poland is a Polish-language channel dedicated exclusively to kids. The localized channel, which is aimed at viewers 2-12 years old, is slated to launch on June 1 and will broadcast daily via cable and digital.

Programming will include a mix of international content from Nickelodeon’s animation portfolio, tween live-action favorites, and the famous “Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards.” Nickelodeon Poland will also air original local productions and acquisitions to ensure a wholly relevant experience for local audiences.

The channel will be supported by a Polish language, rich media Web site (www.nick.com.pl), which will provide users with an online community and a wide range of interactive elements such as a video player, games, and downloads. Nickelodeon Poland will work in close partnership with Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products, which oversees an existing licensing business across the region, for Nickelodeon’s global franchises such as SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer.
 
Six Flags, Gulf Finance Team to Bring Six Flags to China
Theme park company Six Flags Inc. has entered into a one-year, multi-million dollar exclusivity agreement with Gulf Finance House B.S.C., a publicly traded Islamic Investment Bank in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Under the agreement, Gulf Finance will pay for the exclusive right to license the Six Flags brand and related intellectual property for theme park development in the People's Republic of China. Additionally, the two parties may collaborate on the future construction of a Six Flags-themed luxury resort.

"This partnership underscores the renewed health of our brand and the opportunities that now lie ahead for our unique thrill park experience," says Six Flags president and CEO Mark Shapiro. "We're excited about the potential of collaborating with Gulf Finance House to bring the new Six Flags and its recharged product to an entirely new audience."
 
Accessory Network Readies Speed Racer School Bags and Stationery
Accessory Network Group’s Animations division will launch a complete collection of Speed Racer accessories for boys and tweens in conjunction with the release of the upcoming Warner Bros. Pictures live-action family film, Speed Racer, set to hit theaters on May 9th.

Accessory Network Group will design, produce and distribute Speed Racer backpacks, small leather goods, back-to-school, and social stationery under license with Warner Bros. The collection will launch in all tiers of distribution beginning May 2008.
 
Collegiate Licensing Signs Rutgers
The Collegiate Licensing Company, a division of IMG College, has signed an exclusive agreement with Rutgers University to manage its trademark licensing program.

The agreement will give Rutgers a greater ability to protect and market its brand through a comprehensive trademark-licensing program customized by CLC, which currently represents nearly 200 collegiate properties. Prior to joining CLC, the University’s trademark licensing program, which was started in 1990, was handled internally.

“The University selected CLC as our agency in order to keep pace with the ever changing landscape of collegiate licensing,” says Kim Manning, vice president of university relations, Rutgers University.  “CLC has the resources and relationships in place to make an immediate impact in the marketplace for Rutgers.”

H&M Like For Likes Plummet
International retailer H&M saw like for like sales plummet in March by a decrease of 8 percent, which the business blamed on the poor spring weather and the early Easter date. Overall sales were up 3 percent in March compared to March 2007. The figures contrast with H&M's February report which showed like for likes up 10 percent and all sales up by 24 percent.

Cartoon Network Takes Game Show to Butlins
Cartoon Network Enterprises has signed a year-long license deal with Butlins Resorts in the UK to create an interactive game show called Cartoon Network’s Wheely Big Super-Toontastic Game Show. Included in the deal are a live show, costume character appearances, and a retail presence in Butlins' onsite stores.

The show starts in May and will include talent from “Ben 10,” “Dexter’s Laboratory,” “The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy,” “Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends,” “Ed, Edd n Eddy,” “Codename: Kid Next Door,” “Johnny Bravo,” and “Skatoony.”

Toys "R" Us Throws Star-Studded Charity Gala
Uniting leaders from the toy and baby products industries for a special evening of entertainment and fundraising, the Toys “R” Us Children’s Fund recently hosted its 23rd annual gala in New York City, raising $5.2 million to keep children safe and help them in times of need. The event was hosted by comedian Martin Short, who has won both Emmy and Tony awards, and featured a performance by Grammy Award-winning and best-selling recording artist Barry Manilow.

This celebration of charitable giving highlighted the Toys “R” Us Children’s Fund’s philanthropic programs and honored some of its signature partners, who received significant monetary grants or product donations in the past year. The benefit has raised more than $82 million since its inception in 1985 and continues to be one of the largest single-night fundraisers held in New York City.

Marvel Signs Deal for Theme Park in Dubai
Tatweer, a member of Dubai Holding, has reached a landmark deal with Marvel Entertainment Inc. to develop the Middle East’s first Super Heroes theme park at the world's largest leisure, tourism and entertainment destination. Located within Dubailand, the Marvel Super Heroes theme park will be one of its key anchor projects.

The design and conceptual master plan of this 4.5 million square-foot development has recently been finalized. The park is expected to welcome visitors in 2012.

Originally announced last year as a partnership between the Al Ahli group and Marvel Entertainment, Tatweer has now stepped in to oversee and take the development forward, and strategically manage its theme park portfolio.

"We are truly thankful to Al Ahli Group who was instrumental in starting the negotiations to bring the Marvel Super Heroes theme park concept to Dubai,” says David Maisel, executive vice president of Marvel Entertainment and chairman, Marvel Studios. “The decision to move over to Tatweer's Dubailand is a strategic move aimed at positioning Marvel Super Heroes theme park in the world's most diverse leisure and entertainment destination."

Other licensors involved in the Dubailand project include DreamWorks Animation, Six Flags, HIT Entertainment, and Universal Studios.

New Disney Birthday Party Activity Kits On the Way From Janlynn
Children’s activity products company Janlynn Corporation will introduce a new line of Disney- and Disney·Pixar-themed Birthday Party activity kits. Hannah Montana, Disney Princess, Disney Fairies, Cars, and Pirates of the Caribbean are all currently available, with plans for other Disney characters to follow soon.

Each activity kit includes eight screen-printed pillowcases and 32 non-toxic crayons for kids to add their own artistic touch.

The Disney party kits are now available at retailers such as AC Moore and Party City.
  
Global Icons Announces New Deals
Global Icons has announced several new deals for the licenses it represents in the United States. The new deals include:

Hershey’s: Stationery (Colorbok), Cookbooks (Publications International), Jewelery (Hope Paige Designs), and Pet toys (Pet Brands).

Build-A-Bear Workshop: Cake-decorating kits (Williams Sonoma), Photo booths (Photozines), Footwear (Elan Polo), Checks (Harland Clarke), and Stationery (Colorbok). Additionally, The Game Factory is extending its worldwide licensing agreement with Build-A-Bear Workshop to publish the first Build-A-Bear Workshop video game for Wii, entitled Build-A-Bear Workshop: A Friend Fur All Seasons, which will be available fourth quarter 2008.

American Honda Motor—Automotive Division: Apparel and accessories (Atlanta Cap Company), T-shirts and sweatshirts (Thundercreek), and automotive accessories such as seat covers, steering wheels, and air fresheners (Plasticolor). Global Icons has also signed deals for Honda cars to appear in two upcoming video games: Gran Turismo 5 (Sony Computer Entertainment) and Race Driver 4 (Codemasters).

Viz Gets Together With The Licensing Machine
Publishing, animation and licensing business Viz Media and The Licensing Machine, a new division of Panini UK covering TV, video, promotional, merchandise, marketing and licensing are launching manga-inspired “Death Note” and “Bleach” in Italy and Germany.

For “Bleach,” The Licensing Machine has TV and home video rights for Italy, and home video rights for Germany. For “Death Note,” The Licensing Machine has acquired television, home video and merchandising rights for Italy, and home video and merchandising rights for Germany.

Halfords Launch Born to Shop Car Accessory Range
Paper Island, owner of the lifestyle brand Born to Shop, and car accessories retailer Halfords are launching a line of car accessories aimed at the stores’ female customers.

The initial range includes tax disc holders, a seat belt comforter and car danglers.

Jetix Kicks Off Online Football Cup
Jetix Europe is to invite kids across Europe to participate in an online football tournament this summer. The Euro Galactik Cup, which launches in the lead up to Euro 2008, ties in with the second season of “Galactik Football.” It will roll out across 17 countries from May 16.

The tournament will consist of nine skills-based games that have been developed by Jetix’ Digital Media Group. Kids across Europe will earn points for their country by playing the online games, which will include penalty shoot-outs, dribbling, and goalkeeping tests.

Boom! Studios to Bring Cult Series ‘Farscape’ to Comics
The Jim Henson Company and Boom! Studios have inked a licensing agreement to bring the Jim Henson Company’s late sci-fi TV series “Farscape” to life as a comic book later this year.

Boom! Studios is set to publish a series of four-issue mini-series which will explore and expand the stories of “Farscape.” Each four-issue series will be collected into subsequent trade-paperback editions. The series will be written and drawn by an as-yet-unannounced creative team.

The FARSCAPE comic book series will be taking advantage of the upcoming webisodes, set to be produced by The Jim Henson Company in association with RHI Entertainment for Scifi.com. The webisode series will re-unite FARSCAPE executive producer Brian Henson with creator Rockne S. O’Bannon.

GMG Radio Signs Lazarus Media
Media business services company Lazarus Media has been named as the brand licensing agent for UK commercial radio group GMG Radio, a division of the Guardian Media Group. Lazarus Media will put together a brand licensing program which will include branded CDs, DVDs, games, and printed media, including partworks.

GMG Radio has 13 regional stations across the UK operating under the Real Radio, Smooth Radio, Century Radio, Rock Radio and Jazzfm.com brands.

Steve Lazarus, managing director of Lazarus Media, says, “The GMG Radio brands truly engage with their audience and we are looking to build on the close connection that they have with their audience.”

Fifi and the Flowertots Tread the Boards
Chapman Entertainment has joined forces with Premier Stage Productions to produce Fifi and the Flowertots’ first live show called The Fairy and the Flowertots, which will play across the UK this summer.

Premier Stage Productions has produced children’s stage shows featuring characters for over a decade and is currently touring with shows featuring Barney, Brum, Harry and his Bucket Full of Dinosaurs, and Mr Men.

Chapman Entertainment managing director and executive producer Greg Lynn says, “With our combined expertise we are going to put on a stellar show. Fifi is a top rating pre-school show loved by girls and boys alike. We look forward to seeing Fifi’s young fans' reaction to this dazzling production which will bring their favourite characters to life.”

4Kids’ Little Piggy Goes To Market
4Kids Entertainment International has signed up Artlist Collection: The Pig, the newest addition to the animal photography franchise that includes The Dog and The Cat.

Like the puppy and kitten ranges, The Pig series shows its subjects photographed using a fish-eye lens by Studio A&A, which was founded in January 2001 by content development specialist Artlist International.

The Dog brand has over 50 licensees on board across EMEA including Gosh as master toy licensee in the UK. McDonald’s has run three Happy Meal promotions with The Dog in the UK and The Continuity Company has also run a number of retail loyalty programmes across Europe and the Middle East. Ubisoft launched the first video game—The Dog Island—across Europe on Nintendo Wii and PS2 in April, backed by a strong marketing campaign.

The Cat portfolio includes De Agostini, which has signed for 3D figurines for Italy, and Eaglemoss has signed a deal for partworks in the UK, Italy, France, Belgium, and Switzerland. Parents and children will be able to create their very own The Cat celebration cake when Greeencore Cakes launch The Cat designs on consumer Web site designyourcake.co.uk later this year.

4Kids anticipates The Pig will have a program of licenses including plush, publishing, partworks, giftware, homewares, bedding, melamine, and stationery. “These are all areas where The Dog and The Cat have proved very popular, and we believe The Pig can do the same,” says Sandra Vauthier-Cellier, co-managing director, 4Kids Entertainment International.

BBC Worldwide Signs Deal With Star Farm Productions
BBC Worldwide has penned a development deal with Star Farm Productions on a fantasy property, Kaimira, set for international distribution. The deal sees BBC Worldwide embark on a strategy to work with rights-owners to input into 360-degree properties in the earliest stages of development.

BBC Worldwide’s development deal with Star Farm Productions’ Kaimira Multimedia encompasses investment in TV, MMOG and other media in a global media agreement.

Gill Pritchard, BBC Worldwide’s director of children’s, says, “Kaimira represents everything we want to be part of in our growth strategy in the children’s business here at Worldwide. The development deal we have agreed with Star Farm allows us to collaborate in a 360-degree approach to the creative and business strategy of Kaimira, including the development of TV, web, gaming, and feature film. Working with leading partners in this way gives us the opportunity to input on the commercial success from the outset and tap into the changing needs of our audience.”

Kaimira’s rollout starts this summer with Walker Books and Candlewick Press releasing Book One: The Sky Village, in the UK, United States, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia.

Star Farm Productions is developing a Web site (http://kaimiracode.com) where fans will be able to decode mysteries highlighted in the book. There will also be an advanced capability for fans to become part of the Kaimira world by creating characters, building tribes, developing stories and working together to face challenges.

Thunderbirds Characters on UK TV Ad
Granada Ventures cult classic Thunderbirds characters are on TV screens this month, as Virgil Tracy makes a rare appearance in a commercial for multiple optical retailer Specsavers.

Tracey is joined by his arch-enemy, the Hood, in a high-speed chase through snow capped mountains. The characters were brought out of mothballs for the filming, which uses original supermarionation techniques.

Studio 100 and Cbeebies Co-Produce ‘Kerwhizz’ Pre-School Game Show
Belgian family entertainment group Studio100 and the CBeebies production team will co-produce the first pre-school quiz show, “Kerwhizz,” for the CBeebies channel.

The show was designed with the assistance of teachers and a specialist education advisor, to test the teams and the viewers. Produced in HD, the multi-platform entertainment format includes online and podcast versions and is targeted at 4 to 6 year olds. Based on scoring points to win a race, the setting can be in any of 26 different CGI worlds.

The show will be ready for delivery in autumn this year, with distribution of the new series shared between the co-production partners.

New Brands Drive Sales at Entertainment Rights
Entertainment Rights agreed a raft of sales at this month’s MipTV. Among the deals, “Postman Pat—Special Delivery Service,” which is set to air in the UK on CBeebies in autumn 2008, was sold to broadcasters in Denmark, Sweden, Australia, pan-regionally in the Middle East and Iceland.

“Toopy and Binoo,” aimed at 2 to 5 year olds and based on the best-selling Canadian children’s books by author Dominque Jolin, was sold into Korea and a commercial-free TV channel in the Middle East. 

ER’s newly acquired “Shelldon” is expected to be signed for airing in the UK, France, and multiple Scandinavian and Asian territories, according to ER.

The animated “George of the Jungle” series for boys aged 6 to 11 was sold to broadcasters in Norway (NRK), Russia (Central Partnership), Scandinavia (pan regionally via Nickelodeon), Belgium (VRT), Finland (VRT), Netherlands (Netherlands Public Broadcasting), Ireland (RTE), Denmark (TV2) and Iceland (RUV). These broadcasters join France 3 and France 5, where the series launched in October 2007, as well as Super RTL in Germany.

CG animated series “Casper’s Scare School,” in production for TF1 in France and for Cartoon Network Europe sold into the Netherlands (Jetix), Denmark (DR.TV), Finland (MYV 3), Norway (NRK) and the Middle East (Cartoon Network).

ITV DVD Named DVD Partner of Arsenal in The UK and Irish Republic
Granada Ventures’ ITV DVD has been named as Arsenal Football Club’s DVD partner in the UK and the Republic of Ireland. 

The five year relationship will see ITV DVD continuing to produce and distribute Arsenal’s official DVD programming. The two have been partners for seven years, delivering DVD releases including The Official History, Arsenel’s Eleven, Centurions, 49 The Unbeaten Run, The Highbury Years and The Untouchables. The first release under the new deal, Thierry Henry— Legend, ships in April.

Second Booster Wave of 4Kids’ ‘Chaotic’ Cards
4Kids Entertainment Inc. and its subsidiary TC Digital Games LLC have released the highly anticipated “Zenith of the Hive” booster series for the Chaotic Trading Card Game at major retailers throughout the US and Canada.

The new series is available at more than 15,000 locations across North America, with a presence at such retail outlets as Wal-Mart, Target, Toys “R” Us, GameStop, Kmart, f.y.e. and Suncoast as well as hundreds of local comic and hobby stores, and, beginning in May, at Rite Aid.

Additionally, TC Digital Games launched Chaotic Battledrome Events, a national Organized Play program, at New York ComicCon, which took place April 18-20. Chaotic Battledrome Events are currently scheduled for conventions throughout 2008 including Wizard World Philadelphia, Origins Games Fair, San Diego Comic-Con, GenCon, and Fan Expo Canada.

Chaotic is making its international debut as well with the TV series and cards now available in Australia (where it airs on Network 10), Israel (Children’s Channel/Noga Communications), and South Africa (MNET), with new territories scheduled to be added throughout 2008.
 
Stremicks Heritage Foods Brings Disney’s Little Einsteins to Milk Beverages
Disney Consumer Products and Stremicks Heritage Foods announce a new milk beverage line that meets Disney’s new food guidelines, while also providing critical nutrients for families and children. Available in US grocery stores now, Disney Little Einsteins Milk is rBST hormone-free and enriched with 32mg of omega-3 DHA per serving to support brain and eye development and the heart’s health through every stage of life. It is the first Disney-branded refrigerated dairy beverage to launch since Disney announced its food guidelines in 2006.

"The Disney brand and characters are in a unique position to market beverages that kids want and parents feel good about,” says Lance Gatewood, vice president of food, health and beauty for Disney Consumer Products North America. "Disney has a long-term commitment to the health of kids around the world through its new food guidelines, which require the Disney name and its characters to be associated with kid-focused products that limit calories, fat, saturated fat, and sugar. Developing this product line with industry leaders such as Stremicks Heritage Foods brings us one step closer in delivering on this commitment.”

Disney Little Einsteins milk is the first product line to launch as part of a series of healthy dairy and non-dairy beverages currently in development by Disney and Heritage.
 
Cherokee Group, Target Extend Licensing Agreement
As part of a report of fourth quarter earnings, The Cherokee Group reveals that it has extended its licensing agreement with Target through 2012.
 
Licensing International Expo 2008 Announces Licensing University Conference Schedule
Licensing International Expo 2008 and the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association (LIMA) are joining forces once again to present Licensing University, the industry’s premier educational opportunity from June 9-12 at New York’s Jacob Javits Convention Center.

Held during Licensing International Expo 2008, Licensing University is turning out to be more informative than ever, offering 34 licensing seminars, workshops, and panels tailored to attendees at every experience level—from novice to advanced.

Each session will feature top executives and licensing leaders sharing their experiences in the industry. Included in this year’s list of moderators and speakers are executives from such companies as Disney, Fox, NPD Group, Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products, The Beanstalk Group, and Target, among others.

More information on this year’s Licensing International Expo 2008 and a full list of its seminars can be found at www.licensingshow.com.
 
National Geographic Teams With Namco for Panda Nintendo DS Game
Leading video games publisher and developer Namco Bandai Games America Inc. has partnered with National Geographic to bring the virtual pet simulation game National Geographic Panda exclusively to the Nintendo DS this fall. Players will have the opportunity to learn more information about pandas with the game’s library of recent and past National Geographic articles.
 
Def Leppard Make New Track Available Through ‘Guitar Hero III’
Rock heavyweights Def Leppard have partnered with Activision Inc.’s Guitar Hero III:  Legends of Rock on downloadable content that will give fans an exclusive opportunity to sample the band’s new radio single, “Nine Lives,” five days before their upcoming studio album Songs from the Sparkle Lounge releases on April 29.

The track pack of content also features live versions of “Photograph” and “Rock of Ages,” two of Def Leppard’s most beloved chart-toppers from their multi-platinum Pyromania album.

The track pack will be available for Xbox Live Marketplace for Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and in the Playstation Store for the Playstation3 computer entertainment system on April 24.

Def Leppard are the second band to debut a single through a video game. Last week Motley Crue debuted their new single, “Saints of Los Angeles,” as downloadable content for MTV Games’ Rock Band.

Bic Lighter Signs On Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
The Broad Street Licensing Group brokered an exclusive licensing deal for Bic USA Inc., and NASCAR star Dale Earnhardt Jr. for disposable lighters featuring Dale Jr.’s image. Dale Jr. is a 17-time winner in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, and recently was voted NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver for the fifth consecutive time.

Williamsburg Retail Store Opens in Convention Resort
Following a recent partnership between Colonial Williamsburg Products Division and Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, Colonial Williamsburg opened a retail store inside the new Washington, D.C., convention resort complex. Colonial Williamsburg assisted in the design of the 650-square-foot store, which is a colonial-inspired freestanding structure within the atrium of the resort. The Williamsburg shop offers a selection of Williamsburg-branded gifts, food and tavern items, jewelry, Byers’ Choice collectibles and books as well as seasonal items and children’s gifts.

7-Eleven Begins ‘Iron Man’ Promotional Campaign
7-Eleven Inc. ramps up its 2008 Slurpee season with the company’s first major promotion of the year—a month-long campaign, currently available in stores, leading up to the opening of Iron Man on May 2. Four multi-image, three-dimensional Slurpee cups utilize multiple frames from the movie to enhance the action effect. The stores are also offering a collectible mug and three spoon-straws with detachable figurines.

Kathy Ireland’s Baby Line Due
Thank You Baby inked an exclusive licensing agreement with Kathy Ireland Worldwide for the design and manufacture of infant bedding and accessories. The collection, Kathy Ireland Home by Thank You Baby, will introduce more than 15 new collections to retail early in 2009. The new fabrics and designs will reflect Thank You Baby’s aesthetic, which incorporates a palette of vibrant colors.

CopCorp Licensing Continues Its Global Expansion
CopCorp Licensing makes several announcements in overseas markets. MJA Licensing was appointed sub-agent for the Pink Cookie program in France, Belgium, and Dom-Tom. Soditex will introduce Pink Cookie shoes, boots, slippers, and flip-flops in France and Dom-Tom, and Tradilinge will launch bed linens in France, Belgium, and Dom-Tom.

Global expansion also continues for It’s Happy Bunny. Trader Srl (Imap Export SpA) will introduce a wide range of apparel and accessories in Italy through CPLG Italia. Caris GmbH will introduce postcards and greeting cards in Germany through a deal secured by CPLG Germany, the sub-agent for Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Next Big Things Brand & Management will produce key chains, mobile phone charms/flashers, car seat covers, car floor mats, air fresheners, hair accessories, plush toys, and beyond for the Australian market through sub-agent Grahame Allan Company. In addition, Falabella SACI will introduce sleepwear in Chile through a deal secured by P&L Global Network, the sub-agent for Mexico and Latin America.

Executive Moves
Nickelodeon/MTVN Kids and Family Group has named Gary Bonilla to the Nickelodeon/MTVN Kids and Family Group. Bonilla’s primary responsibilities include managing the creative development for Nickelodeon’s consumer products business, developing strategies around consumer experiences and ensuring the network’s branded consumer product offerings exemplify the Nickelodeon brand.  

Shawn Lawson Cummings has joined United Media as senior vice president of international licensing, overseeing all aspects of the company’s international licensing business including Japan, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.

Daniel Wineman has been appointed to the newly created position of director of original series and co-productions at Jetix Europe.

New business development consultancy Brand Sense Partners has hired Sid Kaufman as senior vice president of licensing. As a member of BSP’s executive team, Kaufman will be responsible for the ongoing development and growth of BSP’s licensing business with a focus on entertainment properties and direct-to-retail opportunities.

Marvel Entertainment has promoted Eric Rollman to president, Marvel Animation. In his new role, Rollman will oversee Marvel’s animation slate, as well as partnerships with key broadcasters and home entertainment studios.