• Paramount Licensing has been tapped as the North American licensing rep for 1980s phenomena the Smurfs by property owner Lafig Belgium. Expect Paramount to focus on landing spots for the wee blue dudes/dudettes in branded theme parks and resorts, restaurants and stage plays.
• According to NPD Europe’s May figures Group Smoby is the top toyco in France. The independent research firm reported that the company, a subsidiary of Van Nuys, California-based MGA Entertainment, was number one in sales that month with a 10.4% market share in the European nation.