Rovio Entertainment has tapped Tycoon Group to manage the licensing and merchandising rights for Angry Birds in Brazil.

The appointment is an extension of an existing partnership with Tycoon who already manages the brand in Mexico, Central America, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador and Peru.

“International expansion of our consumer product program continues to be of paramount importance to us and Brazil will certainly be an important area of focus for us, with a massive base of Angry Birds fans,” says Claes Kalborg, senior vice president, global licensing, Rovio. “We feel that Tycoon will be the ideal partner for us, based on the amazing job they have done so far in the rest of the region.”

The appointment is the first for Tycoon as its sets up direct operation in Brazil. Erica Giacomelli will lead the companies Brazilian operations, with new offices opening in Sao Paulo this month.

Giacomelli has more than 22 years of experience in business development, marketing and licensing for companies that include IBM, Umbro, Hering, Nike and 13 years as the head of licensing for Mattel Brazil.

“We know we will be the new kid on the block for some time but are confident that the combination of our expertise and everyday work in partnership with the leading companies in Brazil, will inspire the trust of licensors the world over,” says Giacomelli.