Spin Master & Cartoon Network Enterprises Firm Up Licensing Deal

LAS VEGAS: Spin Master and Cartoon Network Enterprises (CNE) have entered into an exclusive partnership, which gives the cable network’s consumer products division all global licensing and merchandising rights for the toy maker’s portfolio of brands.

CNE will build consumer products and merchandising programs for Spin Master’s brands, with an initial focus on three particular brands. Liv, which launched at retail in fall 2009, is a strong seller in the fashion doll category. The doll line is targeted at girls 6 to 10. Zoobles is centered on a range of creatures who have the ability to transform from tiny balls into cute little characters. A toy line is launching at retail this fall for the brand. Tech Deck is the exclusive toy manufacturer for a number of skateboard brands.

“Spin Master is thrilled to announce this expansion to our partnership with CNE,” said Adam Beder, the senior VP for global licensing and business affairs at Spin Master. “CNE and Spin Master share the same values and have an aligned commitment to partnership, innovation and execution. This combined with the unprecedented success we have shared since launching Bakugan in 2008 is the perfect segue into a long standing alliance to further develop Spin Master’s core brands into consumer product.”

“A major innovator in the toy marketplace, Spin Master has created some of the most exciting properties on shelves today and this announcement is a natural extension of a partnership that has already been very successful,” added CNE’s senior VP, Christina Miller. “We view this as a great opportunity to both increase our leadership position in the boys marketplace with brands like Tech Deck, as well as increase our involvement in the girls’ space with certain hits like Liv and Zoobles.”