Saban Consumer Products opens merch chapter on UBOS

BKN International recently granted Fox Kids Europe licensing arm Saban Consumer Products the merchandising rights (excluding home entertainment and interactive games) to fantasy-adventure property Ultimate Book of Spells in Italy, Spain and Portugal. Recent signings under the two-year deal include Vidal (bubblegum and premiums in Spain and Portugal; bubblegum and lollipops in Italy), Universal (video/DVD in Italy), Nepal (confectionery) and Diamond Publishing (monthly magazine).

Caillou heads to Australia

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) has signed a multi-rights agreement with Canadian prodco Cinar for Caillou. ABC licensing arm ABC Merchandising & Events has been named the Australian agent for the preschool brand. An introductory line of Caillou merch will be shopped at the Australian Toy Fair in Melbourne this month, with video, books and toys slated to hit Aussie retail in September. ABC has purchased a 65 x five-minute order of the Caillou series for television in Australia and for home video release in Australia and New Zealand. The first episodes are slated to air in July 2002 on ABC for Kids.

Discovery Channel to explore Europe

Discovery Consumer Products has appointed Eastern European Merchandising Corporation (EEMC) as its exclusive licensing agent in European countries including Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Russia and Romania. Slated for a fall 2002 launch in Hungary and Poland, the Discovery Channel program will encompass apparel, stationery, back-to-school supplies and educational toys.

Dr. Seuss classics advance to Game Boy applications

Game developer NewKidCo has signed a multi-year worldwide agreement with Dr. Seuss Enterprises to publish interactive software for next-gen gaming systems based on the children’s author’s classic properties and characters–including Green Eggs and Ham, The Cat and the Hat and How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The first title will be released on Game Boy Advance this fall, with subsequent games released on various platforms in 2003 and beyond.