Tag Archives: lead

WildBrain CPLG partners with Moose Toys for Magic Mixies licensing programme

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Entertainment, sport and brand licensing agency WildBrain CPLG is partnering with Moose Toys to handle representation of the global toy company’s mega-hit Magic Mixies Magic Cauldron, as well as planned line extensions for the brand.

Under its dedicated North America office, WildBrain CPLG will represent Magic Mixies in the U.S. and Canada to build a cross-category merchandise offering, targeting kids aged 5–8 years old. The initial focus for the consumer products roll-out will be on the apparel, sleepwear, publishing, accessories and homeware categories. Moose will be building the brand’s presence even further with a comprehensive content plan later this year.

Jasen Wright, VP North America at WildBrain CPLG, says: “As we continue building our successful relationship with Moose Toys, it’s fantastic to add yet another of their exciting brands to our remit. Magic Mixies has captured the attention of kids and retailers alike, as demonstrated by the stand-out sales since launch. The brand has significant potential beyond the core toy range, and we look forward to forging partnerships that extend the wonderment of Magic Mixies for kids across the U.S and Canada.”

Menal McGrath, Vice President, Global Licensing, Moose Toys, adds: “WildBrain CPLG has proven itself to be a dynamic and creative partner for our brands in the U.S. and Canada. Furthering our relationship with them by adding Magic Mixies to their portfolio was both the best and the right choice to solidify Mixies’ success. We look forward to seeing them work their ‘magic’ to expand the brand’s presence in lifestyle categories for the ultimate Magic Mixies fans.”

WildBrain CPLG also handles the global licensing programme for Moose Toys’ biggest boys’ franchise to date, Akedo – Ultimate Arcade Warriors. Additionally, the agency recently secured a partnership with Moose for a range of toys and playsets based on a fresh iteration of WildBrain’s Strawberry Shortcake brand and its new animated series, Berry in the Big City.

Manuscript Brands builds portfolio with new Lego stationery products

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Manuscript Brands has been selected as the exclusive UK distributor of a new range of Lego stationery products. 

Lego 2.0 is the new generation of Lego stationery that features everything you would expect from the iconic brand including its hallmark brick-based technology. With Lego’s universal appeal, Lego 2.0 has been cleverly branded without a specific theme, expanding its popularity to a wide variety of age groups.

The extensive range of Lego 2.0 products includes notebooks, gel pens, coloured pencils and highlighters which easily stack and build offering creative and easy storage. The convertible ruler, mechanical pencil, hard pencil case and some gel pen sets are packaged with a traditional Lego minifigure and showcase the clipping technology that Lego has made famous worldwide.

Charlie Stockbridge, managing director at Manuscript Pen Company, says: “We are really excited to be the sole distributor for Lego stationery in the UK. Adding this revered brand to our current portfolio is a fantastic opportunity and great fit for us and we look forward to bringing these iconic products to market.

“We have been supplying stationery products to education for decades and we have a strong foothold with our Lionheart Range, which is seeing a rapid rise in popularity. We believe the Lego 2.0 range will complement this market as well as attract a whole new legion of Lego fans.”

A number of Lego accessories are also included as part of the range, which introduces iconic characters such as Ninjago and the Star Wars theme. The portfolio also comprises Lego Dots products and bag tags featuring a host of well-known designs including Hot Dog as well as the classic brick design that has been popular for generations.

For more information on the range, visit www.manuscriptpen.com

Moonbug acquires Little Angel and Little World

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Moonbug Entertainment has announced the acquisition of Little Angel, one of the fastest-growing kids’ channels on YouTube. The Little Angel Network, which houses Little Angel and Little World, boasts more than 88 million subscribers on YouTube globally.
Since 2019, the brand has seen its global viewership double. Moonbug plans to grow Little Angel exponentially by investing in content, expanding distribution to its global network and creating more ways for audiences to engage with the brand.
“Little Angel is loved by families across the globe. Its irreverent humour and relatable world make it a strong addition to our IP portfolio,” says Renè Rechtman, Moonbug Entertainment Co-Founder and CEO. “There continues to be a tremendous demand for great value-based kids’ content that connects with a global audience, and this acquisition represents an important opportunity for us to build another global entertainment franchise.”
Little Angel is committed to offering fun and relatable content for young children, making it a natural fit for Moonbug’s portfolio. The show offers premium 3D content and has a library of over 400 original songs and over 500 animated episodes. All content is centered around valuable preschool lessons like learning letters, numbers, good manners and healthy habits in an age-appropriate and entertaining way.
Little Angel is Moonbug’s first acquisition since becoming part of Candle Media, an independent, creator-friendly home for cutting-edge, category-defining brands and franchises.
Moonbug specialises in creating and acquiring IP and turning it into global entertainment franchises, by rapidly scaling the brand using data to increase and enhance the content, distributing broadly across Moonbug’s vast global distribution network, and creating new avenues for interaction through licensing and merchandising, original productions and brand partnerships.
For more information on Moonbug, visit www.moonbug.com.

Surge Licensing to lead Stanley Kubrick programme for North America

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Leading global licensing agency Surge Licensing has been appointed by the Stanley Kubrick Film Archives and Caroline Mickler Ltd, global licensing agent for the brand, to develop a North American licensing and retail programme inspired by six iconic features from the visionary filmmaker: The Shining, Full Metal Jacket, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Barry Lyndon, Eyes Wide Shut and the dystopian masterpiece A Clockwork Orange, which continues its 50th Anniversary celebration this year.

Surge Licensing, collaborating with Mickler, will create a unique licensing and retail campaign across North America that will pay homage to Kubrick’s extraordinary work and its enduring popularity with millions of fans around the world, focusing on the development of merchandise across multiple key categories including apparel/fashion, accessories, toys, games, collectibles, gift, novelty, paper goods and lifestyle collaborations. Products are anticipated to begin debuting at retail in Q4 2022.

“Representing the works of such an evocative and awe-inspiring filmmaker requires creating a strategy that can meet the expectations of his renowned style known to his legions of fans worldwide,” says Caroline Mickler. “I know Mark Freedman and the Surge Licensing team will be up to the task to develop and deliver a truly spectacular merchandise campaign that honours Stanley Kubrick’s legacy.”

Mark Freedman, President, Surge Licensing, adds: “I have been a huge fan of Stanley Kubrick’s legendary filmmaking since I can remember so this is truly a tremendous career opportunity to be able to represent the brand and to bring high quality merchandise representative of Kubrick’s visionary genius to his legions of fans across North America. We have worked with Caroline over many years, starting with Ninja Turtles, and have the upmost respect for her talent so it will truly be an honour to collaborate with her again on such a special campaign.”

 

 

Billie Faiers unveils home and lifestyle brand Chapter B at Spring Fair

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TV personality Billie Faiers has unveiled her new home and lifestyle brand, Chapter B, at Spring Fair at the NEC Birmingham. Billie will develop the brand in partnership with consumer product experts Hunter Price International. 

After being on our screens for over a decade, Billie has become one of the most recognisable faces in entertainment TV. With her life being documented for the nation to see for so many years, Billie has created a loyal following who love her interior design style. Chapter B not only fulfils a long-term life goal for Billie, but also seeks to satisfy her fans’ demand to see more from her in this sector.

Chapter B will encompass home furnishings, accessories, soft textiles, kitchen and dining, for both adults and children. The brand embodies affordable luxe design, combining timeless and on-trend statement pieces, which will evolve each season.

The debut Chapter B collection will go live at the end of August and two of the UK’s leading retailers, Next and Very, have already been confirmed as launch partners. The launch collection will range in price from £15 to £50.

Inspired by Billie’s own children, the Chapter B launch will also include the first ‘Kids Club’ collection, comprising storage, 3D shaped cushions, throws and accessories that can be used everywhere from the nursery to the living room.

Speaking about her new brand, Billie Faiers said: “I can’t believe the day is finally here and we’ve officially launched Chapter B! It’s a hugely proud moment for us all – the start of a very exciting chapter.

“Hunter Price has been the perfect partner to bring my vision for Chapter B to life. It’s required a huge team effort to get to where we are today, from buying and design, to sales and marketing.

“To also have Very and Next as launch partners is an absolute dream. Their customer base has real synergy with where we are positioning Chapter B in the market. We have ambitious goals for Chapter B to become a leading home and lifestyle brand in its own right. We’ve got a long way to go but I believe I am working with the best in the industry to make this a huge success.”

Allana Holmes, head of sales at Hunter Price International, added: “Bringing Chapter B to market in the UK marks a big milestone for Hunter Price.

“We’ve heavily invested in this sector as a business over the years, as it’s been a key area of growth for us. Home and interiors form a huge part of Billie’s life. It’s been well documented that she’s currently building her dream family home and has taken on all the interior design work. She has real credibility within this arena, with a following of millions who look to her for home and interiors inspiration.

“The quality of products will speak for itself and will show we mean business when it comes to creating beautifully crafted products for the home.”

Further details for the consumer launch of Chapter B will be unveiled over the coming months.

For all the latest updates, follow @ChapterBOfficial and @HunterPriceInternational on Instagram, or visit www.Chapter-B.com and www.HunterPrice.co.uk.

 

Dreamtex partners with Universal Brand Development for home décor collection

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Home textile specialist Dreamtex has collaborated with Universal Brand Development to add Universal’s globally popular franchises to its portfolio. The collaboration will bring new home décor collections to the market across a variety of brands, including Jurassic World, Illumination’s Minions, as well as DreamWorks Animation’s Trolls and Spirit.

With Universal set to release blockbuster movies Jurassic World Dominion and Illumination’s Minions: The Rise of Gru in summer 2022, the new products will come at an ideal time to capitalise on high consumer awareness and demand for film merchandise. Dreamtex intends to capture the action of these eagerly anticipated cinema releases within its home textile ranges, bringing famous characters and their adventures to life in fans’ bedrooms and living rooms.

Dreamtex has already begun working on the collections and there has been a great response within the industry, with buyers registering their interest. The new designs and products are set to launch as early as this spring.

Brands & Retail Pitch Smarter Summer Conference set for 6 & 7 July

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Following huge support for the Winter Pitch Smarter Conference from the UK’s consumer product and retail industry, Ryan Beaird, Event Director for Brands & Retail UK, has announced there will be a Summer Conference in July.

Taking place on 6–7 July 2022, again at the British Library, the event will close with a Summer Terrace Party for over 200 industry executives at the end of Day 2.

“The support from licensors, licensees and retail buyers has been phenomenal for the Winter Conference and demand was so high I had a reserve list of licensors wanting to book pitching slots, which meant I had to expand the show,” says Beaird.

“I am delighted that Acamar Films, Mattel and ViacomCBS are supporting the new summer event, having taken the first three slots on Day 2, and I will be announcing more great brands who have reserved slots very shortly.

“I now want to open the event up to sports, charity, publishing, heritage, commercial/lifestyle brands, so planning is going into bringing these licensors into the conference and giving them the opportunity to share their updates and their fantastic brands to a room full of licensees and retailers.

“I am working with the British Library events team on holding the conference party on their amazing Roof Terrace which will be welcome news to those reading this. I think we are all longing for sunshine and being outside again.

“I am also delighted to confirm that the conference price for the audience will stay the same – 100 per cent FREE.”

Free registration for the Brands & Retail UK Pitch Smarter Summer Conference will go live on 25 February 2022.

For more information about taking part, visit www.brandsretail.uk or contact Ryan Beaird at Ryan.Beaird@BrandsRetail.uk.

Twenty tickets (at time of press) are still available for the Winter party at the Ivy Club on 24 February. Priced at £75 each, they are available from the website.

 

B&LIS & SiLC unite to create two-day licensing conference in June

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Two leading European licensing conferences are uniting this summer with the aim of providing business leaders and decision makers with action-oriented, thought-provoking content on the future of the licensing industry and create a critical moment in the diary to enable knowledge sharing and networking.

Brand & Licensing Innovation Summit Europe (B&LIS), organised by Informa Markets, the team behind Brand Licensing Europe, and the Sustainability in Licensing Conference (SiLC), presented by Products of Change, will make their in-person debuts on 21 and 22 June (respectively) at London’s Royal Geographical Society following successful virtual programmes in 2021 attended by hundreds of international delegates.

B&LIS will kick-off the two-day conference on 21 June and will spotlight retail and future trends through interactive panel discussions as it tackles next-gen topics such as NFTs, the Metaverse, the ever-changing content landscape, breakthrough licensing categories and how to maximise opportunities at retail.

The following day, SiLC will bring sustainability to the fore on 22 June, deep-diving into crucial issues such as sustainable supply chains, driving social change through entertainment, leading brands, retail treatment and best practice from licensees and suppliers, showcasing what is required of business to be ‘future fit’.

The resulting event is set to be a critical date in the diary for global leaders and decision-makers from the world of brands and consumer products to enjoy panel discussions, live Q&As and roundtables, as well as a lively networking reception on both evenings to build new connections in-person.

“B&LIS and SiLC share the same ethos: a desire to deliver genuinely thought-provoking, action-led content that has the power to challenge leaders and drive positive and profitable decision-making in relation to everything from product development and distribution to consumer engagement and commerce,” says Anna Knight, VP of licensing, Informa Markets. “Uniting the two events means we can create a key moment in the summer when European licensing leaders can connect, learn and share, while also saving on time and travel.”

Amplifying Anna’s belief, Helena Mansell-Stopher, Founder and CEO at Products of Change, adds: “Never before has our industry needed to transition at the scale that is required to achieve the 2030 and 2050 Global Goals. This transition provides both an opportunity to create the future of how the industry operates, as well as commercially benefiting business. SiLC will bring visibility of new solutions, discuss how to implement and showcase new future technologies to lead the industry to a profitable and sustainable future.”

B&LIS one-day tickets are priced at £275 and can be purchased from Brand &Licensing Innovation Summit Europe.  SiLC tickets one-day tickets are priced at £275 and can be purchased from Sustainability in Licensing Conference. POC and Licensing International members can enjoy a 20% discount on these rates (non-cumulative). Alternatively, two-day tickets can be purchased from either site for the discounted rate of £525.

Lisle Licensing inks Sebnini deal for Style Sisters

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Lisle Licensing has announced that Sebnini Trading, one of the UK’s leading experts in candles and home fragrance, will be the home-fragrance partner for aspirational lifestyle duo Style Sisters.

The luxury candle and diffuser specialists, who have more than 30 years of experience in developing bespoke candles and diffusers for the private label industry, are a perfect partner for the Style Sisters, who have created a brand followed by thousands, all keen to aspire to their expertise in home styling and eye for beautiful, yet functional, lifestyle products.

Sebnini will work with the Style Sisters – Gemma Lilly and Charlotte Reddington – to curate a range of candles, reed diffusers and room sprays that are synonymous with the design duo’s brand and vision. As discussed frequently by Gemma and Charlotte in their social media postings, Style Sisters believe that “Scents change everything in a room, whether it be a candle for the living room or bathroom or an everyday diffuser that draws attention to the room when you walk in.”

The range will focus on creating beautifully crafted sustainable vessels that are a joy to open, use and also gift.

Commenting on the appointment of Sebnini as Style Sisters’ candles and home fragrance partner, Deborah Haigh, Commercial and Retail Manager at Lisle Licensing says: “Both experts in their field, we are delighted by the Style Sisters and Sebnini partnership. Sebnini’s wealth of knowledge and experience shines through, and this makes them perfectly placed to create a range that’s so close to the girls’ hearts.”

Sebastian Schyberg, Sales Manager at Sebnini Trading, adds: “Sebnini is incredibly excited to work with the Style Sisters to create an innovative range of home scents that embodies the carefully curated brand that Gemma and Charlotte have worked hard to create. Gemma and Charlotte are great collaborators and their vision for the range is something Sebnini feels privileged to be able to bring to the market. We hope those who follow the Style Sisters fall in love with this range as much as we have.”

In the past 12 months since appointing Lisle Licensing, the duo have continued to grow their brand with high-profile celebrity home transformations, appointed Hunter Price for storage and organisation solutions, and attended Brand Licensing Europe in November for a Q&A session followed by a book signing of their coffee table title Helping You Live an Organised and Stylish Life.

Wildbrain CPLG takes to the podium with Sauber Motorsport representation deal

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Entertainment, sport and brand licensing agency WildBrain CPLG has further expanded its Lifestyle portfolio with the signing of global representation rights for Swiss company Sauber Motorsport AG.

Under the deal, WildBrain CPLG will handle all Sauber brands, including Sauber Motorsports – which owns and operates the Alfa Romeo F1 Team ORLEN – as well as Sauber Technologies and Sauber Esports. The initial focus will be on the UK, EMEA, China, India and North America markets.

WildBrain CPLG will assemble a strategic cross-category merchandise range for Sauber’s Alfa Romeo F1 Team ORLEN brand across multiple categories, including apparel, accessories, footwear, gifting, automotive accessories, toys and collectibles, and official team products to further engage Formula One fans of all ages.

For Sauber Technologies and Sauber Esports, WildBrain CPLG aims to utilise the expertise of the Sauber Engineering and Technology teams, which includes 3D printing, aerodynamics and Formula One technology, and leverage the precision, efficiency, innovation and performance attributes of these properties to extend them into everyday categories. WildBrain CPLG will initially focus on household and lifestyle products for Sauber Technologies, while for Sauber Esports, target categories will include fashion apparel, toys, collectibles and gaming accessories as well as digital products and partnerships.

“As we continue strengthening our lifestyle roster, it’s fantastic to welcome a brand of Sauber’s calibre to our line-up,” says Victoria Whellans, Group Brands Director at WildBrain CPLG Lifestyle. “Sauber’s portfolio brings many fantastic opportunities, whether that’s connecting fans to the Alfa Romeo Formula One team, tapping into the rapidly growing world of Esports licensing with Sauber Esports, or capturing the company’s extensive experience in engineering through the Sauber Technologies brand. We look forward to working closely with Sauber to develop a carefully curated product range with best-in-class partners to drive long-term brand engagement and growth on a global scale.”

Yan Lefort, Commercial Director at Sauber Group, adds: “This deal with WildBrain CPLG is a huge step for Sauber as it allows us to further develop our licensing strategy and operations across all Sauber brands. It’s a multi-year and 360 degree package, including licensing services, a programme strategy development and business management deal, which will help grow our brand. WildBrain CPLG will support us with finding the right partners, those who align with our core values, and help us access their global network to drive revenue and boost our brand’s stature.”

Sauber was founded in 1970, making its Formula One debut in 1993. Over the past few decades of activity in the motorsport industry, Sauber has developed skills and expertise in the construction and deployment of Formula One vehicles – Sauber Motorsport’s core business – which is applied in each of the Sauber Group’s third-party services. These services are provided by Sauber Aerodynamics, which offers full- and model-scale testing, CFD and vehicle development, including access to the state-of-the-art wind tunnel facility, and Sauber Technology, which focuses on additive manufacturing services including 3D metal printing, laser sintering and stereolithography.

The 2022 Formula One championship season will see Zhou Guanyu make history as the first Chinese driver to race full-time in Formula One as he joins Sauber’s Alfa Romeo F1 Team ORLEN alongside ex-Mercedes Grand Prix winner Valtteri Bottas.

Sauber Motorsport is the latest addition to WildBrain CPLG’s varied portfolio of Lifestyle and Corporate brands, which also features Kärcher, Motul, Kikkoman, Absolut Vodka, Malibu Rum, Chupa Chups, Yale and Harvard universities, and the University of Southern California.