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
Spin Master
M&A & Investments
Discovery Communications will buy Scripps Networks Interactive for $11.9 billion early next year. The deal includes the assumption of $2.7 billion of Scripps’s net debt. Hasbro ends talks to buy out Lions Gate Entertainment, reportedly because of price disagreements. This comes after ultimately failed negotiations to buy out DreamWorks Animation in 2014, which was ultimately … [Read more...] about M&A & Investments
Who’s News
Sony Pictures Entertainment’s consumer products division is establishing a Shanghai-based licensing office with Sabrina Gu leading direct deals in the territory as Director Consumer Products China. Gu continues to dual-report to Joseph Liao, CMO Beijing, and Jamie Stevens, EVP Worldwide Consumer Products. Disney Chairman & CEO Robert Iger resigns from the White House … [Read more...] about Who’s News
Who’s News
Rovio names Simo Hämäläinen as the new head of its brand licensing business. Firefly Brand Management promotes Pamela Harris to VP. She will continue to develop and direct the sales and licensing programs for clients including: Zoltar, Bob Ross, Jimi Hendrix, Pink’s Hot Dogs, Laura Ashley, Hell’s Kitchen, Legends Football League, and key entertainment properties from Endemol … [Read more...] about Who’s News
Who’s News
Open call Looking to hire or be hired? Contact our business development team to feature your listing on TLL. Just want to feature your new hires? Contact editorial. Simon Gresswell is the new COO of Sanrio, responsible for all business in EMEA, Oceania, South Africa, India as well as Mr Men Little Miss worldwide. The Kirby Organization launches a new licensing, endorsement, … [Read more...] about Who’s News
M&A & Legal
Mattel Creations appoints ProjectFirst and Little Dot Studios to manage its AVOD platforms and grow channel subscribers for its brands in Russia and France, respectively. Spin Master sues Chinese manufacturer, Dongguan Moral Region Co. Ltd., for an alleged patent infringement against its Hatchimals toy. MCM Comic Con owner, MCM Central, takes a major stake in children’s … [Read more...] about M&A & Legal
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
Private equity company KKR is considering a bid for eOne after the company rejected a takeover bid from ITV. The Sunday Times named other potential suitors as ProSieben and Vivendi, as well as the potential for ITV to increase its offer. Walmart will buy Jet.com and its Hayneedle home furnishings subsidiary by yearend for approximately $3 billion in cash. Spin Master acquires … [Read more...] about Mergers & Acquisitions
Who’s News
Beanstalk launches its Icon Representation service for the representation of personality rights of legendary icons to be led by Martin Cribbs, who joins as VP Brand Management. Rosalind Nowicki steps down as EVP Global Sales & Retail at 20th Century Fox to lead Iconix's entertainment division and Peanuts Worldwide. Zodiak Kids promotes Gwen Hughes to COO Zodiak Kids … [Read more...] about Who’s News
Who’s News
MHS Licensing has brought on Cathy Anderson as an Account Executive. Licensing veteran Ivan Marco and business partner Conchita Romero have launched a new licensing agency in Spain. Marcrom Licensing's portfolio of brands includes Belen Esteban, Terelu Campos, Boris Izaguirre, Kiko Matamoros, Ylenia, La Liga, Munich, Keith Kimberlin and Kokonuzz. Beanstalk has appointed … [Read more...] about Who’s News