4Kids Signs Global Brands for Jim Henson in Japan

4Kids Entertainment Licensing and The Jim Henson Company have signed a multi-year agreement with Global Brands Group as sub-agent and master licensee for Jim Henson Designs in Japan.

The deal, which runs until 2012, includes accessories, apparel, domestics and linens, footwear, gifts and novelties, housewares, infant and juvenile products, publishing, sporting goods, stationery and paper goods, and toys and games. It also includes Jim Henson Designs-branded retail environments and exhibits.

"Jim Henson was a hugely successful and prolific artist for his time," says Alfred R. Kahn, 4Kids Entertainment chairman and chief executive. "We believe that Henson's remarkable artistic creativity, which is captured in the Jim Henson Designs collection, will inspire and touch Japanese consumers."

"Until now, Japan has not been exposed to the early creativity and artistry of Jim Henson. We believe that his one-of-a-kind drawings and artwork are sure to make a strong connection in this market," says Marcia Aoki, managing director, Global Brands Japan.