Australia's Merchantwise Licensing has announced its appointment as the Australian and New Zealand licensing agent for the preschool brand "Kiri and Lou."

"We are thrilled to embark on this next stage of the Kiri and Lou journey and to work with Merchantwise Licensing to meet the needs of fans," says Fiona Copland, producer, "Kiri and Lou." "It's exciting to see it growing in a way that brings joy, which is what Kiri and Lou are all about."

Merchantwise Licensing has already secured Scholastic Australia's support with a selection of "Kiri and Lou" publishing titles scheduled for release mid this year in time for Australian Book Week. Also already in active development are product categories including toys and apparel.

"We are delighted to be representing 'Kiri and Lou' across Australia and New Zealand," says Kerryn McCormack, general manager, Merchantwise Licensing. "With an acclaimed creative team, truly creatively unique, 'Kiri and Lou' has already seen great brand success internationally, and we are certain it will perform equally as well in its hometown of New Zealand and across the Tasman in Australia. We can't wait to roll-out publishing titles with Scholastic Australia and know both apparel and toy ranges will be popular with preschoolers."