Boat Rocker Buys Kids' Group from Top 150 Global Licensor FremantleMedia

Under the terms of the agreement, the division will be absorbed into Boat Rocker’s global distribution arm, Boat Rocker Rights. The acquisition is also expected to strengthen international growth opportunities in markets including Europe and Asia, according to

In terms of licensing, FremantleMedia is the world’s No. 66 largest licensor, reporting $600 million in licensed retail sales in 2016, according to

. Although the acquisition likely won’t have an immediate effect on the company’s 2018 ranking, it will surely impact the future business as properties such as "Danger Mouse," "Kate & Mim-Mim" and "Bitz and Bob" transition to Boat Rocker.

License Global

is currently accepting submissions for its annual Top 150 Licensors report, which will be published in the April issue.

Moving forward, FremantleMedia’s co-productions “Danger Mouse” and “Bitz & Bob” will continue to be developed under Fremantle’s existing agreement with the BBC.

The deal also marks Boat Rocker’s commitment to developing, producing and monetizing an expanded lineup of kids’ content. Most recently, Boat Rocker acquired the full factual and lifestyle content catalogue from Peace Point Rights, the distribution arm of Peace Point Entertainment Group. The company also purchased Jam Filled Entertainment, a Canada-based animation company, to grow its family and kids content in late 2016.