FME, CBS Consumer Products Strike Asian Deal

NEW YORK/SINGAPORE: FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME) has been appointed as the official licensing agent for CBS Consumer Products in Asia.

The agreement will see FME handling the licensing and merchandising rollout for key CBS-owned brands such as the CSI franchise, Next Top Model, 90210 and Star Trek, along with classic TV series such as Mighty Mouse, Cheers and I Love Lucy. FME has already extended a range of its own properties, including Merlin, American Idol, Got Talent, Project Runway, The Price is Right, Family Feud and Hole in the Wall, across categories such as live events, apparel, sleepwear, toys, interactive and mobile products.

Liz Kalodner, the executive VP and general manager for CBS Consumer Products, noted, "We are proud to work with FME in light of their proven track record in dealing with global media properties. Together, we will take innovative strides across the Asian consumer products market with the goal of appealing to television fans across the region."

Jon Penn, FME’s senior VP of licensing for the Asia Pacific, added: "We are thrilled to form this partnership with one of the world’s iconic television companies. The CBS brands complement and enhance our existing TV portfolio and we are looking forward to representing them to consumer products licensees, publishers and advertisers throughout the region."