Italian Deals for Holly Hobbie, Madballs

NEW YORK: American Greetings Properties is expanding the international footprint of the Holly Hobbie Classic brand and toy series Madballs with new licensing deals in Italy.

Licensing agent Starbright represents both brands in Italy. New Holly Hobbie Classic licensees in Italy include Maricart for back to school, stationery, greeting cards and gift wrap, fashion bags and gifts and ragdolls. Sisters went for juniors and ladies apparel, including tops and sleepwear, while Traval took on home textiles and linens, including slippers, bathrobe, towels and tablecloths. Meanwhile, Brunelli Socks will develop a line of Holly Hobbie Classic socks and underwear.

New Madballs deals in Italy include Accademia for a full line of back-to-school merchandise, as well as stationery and gifts, and Calzificio Franzoni for underwear, t-shirts and socks. Collecions will create a magnetic card game and laminated cards, while Panini works on a Madballs sticker collection, sticker sheets and album.

All licensees for both Holly Hobbie Classic and Madballs plan to roll out items in 2009. Following the success of the two properties in Italy, American Greetings Properties is looking to expand both programs in France and Asia. The company has appointed CPLG France to represent the two properties in France. Additionally, Medialink Pacific will represent Holly Hobbie Classic in Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, China, Thailand and Vietnam.

"American Greetings Properties has always valued international expansion of its properties as a top priority and takes pride in the evolution of its brands across the globe," said Carla Silva, the VP of international licensing for American Greetings Properties. "We are thrilled about the momentum and excitement for Holly Hobbie Classic and Madballs that is building in Italy and we look forward to expanding the programs throughout Europe and Asia."