Retail sales of licensed toys and games grew 7.0% to reach $8.06 billion in the U.S./Canada in 2016, according to TLL's Annual Licensing Business Survey. Here are some of the latest developments in toy trends expected to impact the holiday season. Sales of hobby games in the U.S./Canada reached $1.44 billion in 2016, according to ICv2—growing 21% thanks to growth of … [Read more...] about Toy Roundup: Top News & Trends
Funko
Collectibles, Preschool Snag Top Toys of the Year
Congrats to the winners of the 17th annual Toy of the Year Awards, hosted by the The Toy Industry Association (TIA). LEGO and Spin Master snagged three awards this year, while Funko and Mattel had two each. The Toy of the Year went to LEGO Friends Amusement Park Roller Coaster from LEGO, while the People’s Choice award went to Pop! from Funko. Seven out of the 14 total … [Read more...] about Collectibles, Preschool Snag Top Toys of the Year
Mergers & Acquisitions
Nine West Holdings enters into a definitive agreement to acquire women’s sportswear firm Kasper Group following its sale of the Easy Spirit wholesale business; the transaction is expected to close this month. Funko buys London-based manufacturer and distributor Underground Toys. Studio 100 acquires a 68% majority stake in m4e; the new group will bolster each company's … [Read more...] about Mergers & Acquisitions
M&A And Lawsuits
Jet.com, which was acquired by Walmart for $3.3 billion in September, buys out apparel and accessories site Shoebuy.com for $70 million from IAC. The e-tailer is a direct competitor of Amazon.The United Kingdom Competition & Markets Authority (CMA) approves VTech's acquisition of educational toy firm LeapFrog, stating that the deal will not lead to competition … [Read more...] about M&A And Lawsuits
Who’s News
Open call Looking to hire or be hired? Contact business development to feature your listing on TLL. Just want to feature your new hires? Contact editorial. NBCUniversal welcomes Carol Nygren to serve as VP Worldwide Live Entertainment. Maura Regan joins LIMA as EVP to broaden the scope of LIMA’s services and offerings to the global industry. Turner launches a new … [Read more...] about Who’s News
Who’s News
Click on the links to access a record of the selected individual's complete contact information including licenses held/represented and products manufactured through the Licensing Source Book Online. WME/IMG appoints Michael Ma to serve as CEO of its China subsidiary. Bob Bakishis stepping into the role of Viacom’s acting CEO & President on Nov. 15, officially ending Tom … [Read more...] about Who’s News