Universal Adds Plush Partner in U.K., Ireland

Universal Brand Development has signed a series of deals to extend both its old and new IP in the plush category in the U.K. and Ireland.

License Global

January 31, 2019

Posh Paws International has signed on as the official plush partner for Illumination and Universal Pictures’

Despicable Me

and

Sing

franchises. The company also has the plush rights for

DreamWorks’ Trolls

and the upcoming film

Trolls World Tour

to be released in 2020.

Rainbow Designs is on board for plush for DreamWorks Heritage titles such as

Shrek, Kung Fu Panda

and

Madagasca

r, and

DreamWorks’ Baby

. The deal also extends to Universal’s Vault, classic TV and movie brands and the upcoming DreamWorks Animation film,

Abominable,

which will roll out later this year.

“The plush category is often an entry point to our properties for young children,” says Hannah Mungo, country manager, U.K. and Ireland, Universal Brand Development. “Posh Paws and Rainbow Designs are market leaders and experts in bringing animated characters to life through beautiful, high quality, authentic plush that children love and cherish. We look forward to collaborating with them as we drive forward with our ambitious plans

to expand the category.”