Including busy Penguin Ventures launching a new preschool IP and confirming new Spot stage show.
The Source rounds up more news from the licensing industry across the globe from the week.
Busy Penguin Ventures launched a new preschool IP at Brand Licensing Europe this week. Ten Minutes To Bed is derived from the Ladybird Books picture book series. Taking inspiration from the latest toddler trends, it is described as a ‘magical bedtime adventure’ featuring glittery unicorns and mischievous mermaids who live in The Land of Nod. A countdown to bedtime is at the heart of each tale. “Our colleagues in Ladybird Books have created a truly magical and engaging series with Ten Minutes To Bed, securing impressive sales since the first title published in July 2018,” said Susan Bolsover, licensing and consumer products director for Penguin Ventures. “With its strong aesthetic and clear parent-focused proposition, Penguin Ventures recognised immediately the potential to develop this into a compelling new preschool IP. For the launch phase, we are focusing our attention on building the brand in the UK before looking to expand internationally.”
Elsewhere, Penguin Ventures has partnered with theatrical production company Selladoor Family to develop a new stage show based on Eric Hill’s original Spot books. It will launch to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the Where’s Spot? picture book in 2020.
BBC Studios has secured a deal with The LEGO Group to launch the first ever LEGO Technic Top Gear set. Launching globally in early 2020, BBC Studios believes that the move is a natural fit for both brands.
A number of European fashion licensing deals have been confirmed by Mattel for Barbie. The roll call of deals is topped by Sergio Tacchini which has partnered with the brand to create a tennis clothing range for women and girls. River Island will see a fashion collaboration for younger and older girls, while an adult fashion range with Primark continues in 2019, building on the success of the 2018 homeware and nightwear collection. In France, lingerie company Undiz sees its collaboration increase from seven skus to 14 with the Downtown Girls collection. Elsewhere in Europe, Original Marines by Filippo Larerza has been secured in Italy. Other deals include a collaboration with Patrizia Pepe and with Goldenpoint which will launch hosiery and legwear in 2020.
Luxury womenswear brand Chinti & Parker has launched a 29-piece Peanuts collection in a collaboration brokered by WildBrain CPLG on behalf of Peanuts Worldwide.
Endemol Shine Group has launched Simon’s Cat‘s first ever dog-themed book, as well as plans for a new canine universe from the creators of the animated series. Simon’s Cat It’s a Dog’s Life features new illustrations of different dog breeds and their quirky mannerisms as witnessed by the distinctly bemused Simon’s Cat. In addition, new canine-themed content will sit alongside the Simon’s Cat brand.
Benetton Group has teamed with King Features to unveil the Popeye x Benetton collection. Launching in spring/summer 2020, the apparel collaboration will include t-shirts, dresses and sweatshirts in a variety of digital prints.
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