NVCP Strikes Electronics Deals

LAS VEGAS/LONDON/NEW YORK: Nickelodeon and Viacom Consumer Products (NVCP) has signed international electronics licensing deals with The Linmark Group in Hong Kong and U.S.-based Sakar International.

The ranges will be inspired by Nickelodeon’s hit properties such as animation icon SpongeBob SquarePants; preschool hit shows Dora the Explorer, Go, Diego, Go!, Ni-Hao Kai-Lan and The Backyardigans (in Latin America only); plus tween live-action property iCarly. The lines will roll out across 59 territories around the world, including Australia, China, France, Germany, India, Mexico, the Netherlands, Spain and the U.K.

The partnership between NVCP and The Linmark Group will see more than 20 units hit retail shelves from fall 2009. Examples of SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer branded electronic products include keychain digital photo frames, MP3 players, portable and compact DVD players, portable stereo systems, a foreign-language translator, sandwich toaster and waffle maker. NVCP’s deal with Sakar International will introduce kids around the world to branded digital cameras and PC accessories across multiple Nickelodeon properties. iCarly product extensions include web cams, video cameras, walkie talkies and DVD players, while preschool show The Backyardigans will be featured on a range of gaming accessories.

“Research tells us that children are not only comfortable with increasingly sophisticated technology at an ever younger age, but they demand it comes packaged to reflect their personalities and features their favorite characters,” commented Jean-Philippe Randisi, the senior VP and managing director of NVCP International. “The Linmark Group and Sakar International are two of the leading consumer electronics companies in the world and these deals underline our ongoing commitment to innovation and the expansion of the electronics category within our international business.”

Michel Bourlon, the CEO The Linmark Group, said: “We are excited and honoured to be a partner with Nickelodeon in introducing a broad range of exciting and creative yet affordable Dora the Explorer and SpongeBob SquarePants consumer electronics and small domestic appliances for the international markets with which we have been entrusted. With over 1.1 billion youth under the age of 18 in our partnership territories, the undeniable strength and appeal of Dora the Explorer and SpongeBob SquarePants globally and Linmark’s global development, sourcing and distribution expertise, we feel a great sense of synergy, shared vision and confidence in the partnership’s future success.”

“This license gives us the opportunity to work with iconic Nickelodeon properties like SpongeBob SquarePants, as well as newer shows directed at the tween audience,” added Liza Abrams, Sakar’s VP of Licensing. “What’s also noteworthy is the sheer number of properties and SKUs for which we are responsible. The fact that Nickelodeon entrusted us with this volume of work is a reflection of the success of our licensed programs over the last few years.”