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News

Scoobtober Extravaganza Unleashed in EMEA

Hold onto your magnifying glasses and get ready to join the grooviest celebration of the year! Scoobtober is the annual month-long extravaganza and thrill ride through the world of Scooby-Doo, bringing fans a tidal wave of programming, products and events across all of Warner Bros. Discovery. Originally launched in the US, it is now a firm fixture in the seasonal calendar with an ever growing list of activations that include spooky social clips and crossovers, 48-hour Watch Party live stream of content with links to exclusive Scooby product from best-in-class partners such as Playmobil, Plastoys and Funko. In line with the growth of Halloween in Europe, Scoobtober is gaining momentum in the EMEA region, led in 2023 by the strongest ever slate of Scooby-Doo content programming for the initiative in this market.

ZAG and Del Monte Extend Miraculous Collaboration with European Kiwi Fruit

Global giant Fresh Del Monte, one of the world’s leading vertically integrated producers, distributors and marketers of fresh and pre-cut fruits and vegetables, is extending its collaboration with worldwide hit brand Miraculous for a limited-edition promotion for its new “Kiwi Origin South Europe” campaign. The announcement was made by Hyde Schram, Vice President, Global Partnerships, ZAG, and Thierry Montange, Marketing Director, Fresh Del Monte Europe & Africa.

News

MGA Entertainment Initiates Merger with Zapf Creation AG

MGA Entertainment, Inc (MGA), one of the world’s largest and fastest growing privately held toy and entertainment companies, announced that it intends to merge with Zapf Creation AG, Europe’s leading manufacturer of nurturing dolls. Specifically, MGA’s wholly-owned German subsidiary, which is the current direct major shareholder of Zapf Creation AG, has approached Zapf with an invitation to enter into negotiations of a merger agreement. MGA and Zapf Creation AG have had a collaborative business relationship for the sales and distribution of both companies’ brands for nearly 20 years. The merger is expected to close in Spring 2024.

Kedoo Entertainment Taps Charlotte Thorp as EVP & Head of Distribution, Sales and Acquisitions

Kedoo Entertainment, a leading global digital content studio and media network company, has appointed the highly experienced former New Regency, Lionsgate and Entertainment One executive Charlotte Thorp to the newly created position of EVP and Head of Distribution, Sales and Acquisitions. Additionally, as part of Kedoo’s Kids Originals program – under which the company invests in and produces its own animated titles – two new animated projects are being launched at MIPCOM: “Sonya from Toastville” (26 x 11’) and “Space Dragons” (26 x 11’) alongside season five of its hit Netflix family series, “Booba” (26 x 7′).

Spin Master Launches New Preschool App Subscription Service Piknik

Spin Master , a leading global children’s entertainment company, announced the launch of Piknik, a new app subscription service for preschoolers featuring games from award-winning digital studios Toca Boca and Sago Mini. Included in the Piknik subscription bundle is unlimited access to Toca Boca Jr – a new collection of fan-favorite Toca Boca apps including Toca Kitchen 2TM, Toca NatureTM, Toca Lab: Elements, Toca Builders, Toca Pet Doctor, and Toca Lab: Plants, with more on the way – in addition to Toca Boca Hair Salon 4, Sago Mini World, Sago Mini School, and Sago Mini First Words – all for just $11.99 USD per month. Piknik is available globally, today at www.playpiknik.com or within any of the included apps on the Apple App store or Google Play store.

Licensing News

Hasbro Unveils New Licensed Consumer Products at Brand Licensing Europe (BLE) 2023

Celebrating its 100th anniversary, Hasbro returns to Brand Licensing Europe (October 4-6, 2023) this year with a full slate of announcements alongside new and existing licensing partners. From entertainment with A-list guest stars to dazzling fashion and footwear, innovative toys and so much more, Hasbro is delivering something for every fan. Hasbro’s Purpose is to create joy and community for all people around the world, one game, one toy, one story at a time. With Licensed Consumer Products offices around the world and a strong base of over 1,800 licensees, Hasbro continues to serve its Purpose by delivering product innovations and captivating entertainment for fans of all ages through endless consumer touchpoints, including the following all-new partnerships and collaborations launching across the globe.

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Falcon’s Beyond Closes Business Combination with FAST II and Will Begin Trading on Nasdaq

Falcon’s Beyond’ has raised more than $100 million in gross proceeds to support Falcon’s Beyond’s growth strategy to deliver extraordinary entertainment experiences through a vast array of products, platforms and IP, which includes the previously-announced and consummated private and strategic investments in the company and its subsidiaries by existing investors since announcement of the Business Combination and proceeds from FAST II’s trust account. In connection with the completion of the Business Combination, the FAST II units, Class A common stock and warrants have ceased trading and been voluntarily delisted from NYSE. The Class A common stock, Series A preferred stock and warrants of Falcon’s Beyond Global Inc., the parent public company resulting from the Business Combination (“PubCo”), will begin trading on Nasdaq under the ticker symbols “FBYD,” “FBYDP” and “FBYDW,” respectively, on October 6, 2023.

News

Tuttie Cutie To Add More Eco-Triendly Fun to Headstart’s Sustainable Resoftables Range

Headstart’s plush creations are so much more than loveable companions. With Tuttie Cutie adding more sustainable sweetness to the already impressive range of recycled Resoftables, there’s even more ways to enjoy feel-good play. Tuttie Cutie Resoftables from Headstart are eco-friendly works of art designed to infuse joy, comfort – and a touch of cute, cuddly charm to your world. Resoftables Tuttie Cutie is a meaningful new way to strengthen Headstart’s unwavering commitment to a better, more sustainable future of toys for tomorrow.

MGA and Crayola Sign Multi-Year Agreement for Toys and Licensing Globally

MGA Entertainment (MGA), one of the largest and fastest growing privately held toy and entertainment companies in the world, and Crayola, the company that has inspired artistic creativity in children for more than 100 years, has announced a multi-year agreement for MGA Entertainment to produce and distribute Crayola-inspired dolls and licensed merchandise globally under its L.O.L. Surprise! Loves brand. Terms of the deal are not disclosed. “We are excited to bring two iconic brands together that kids and parents love,” said Isaac Larian, Founder and CEO, MGA Entertainment. “The Crayola brand challenged the L.O.L. Surprise! team to design new toys that would engage kids’ creativity and provide a new colorful way to play with the dolls.”