Fisher-Price toying with Koala Brothers

London’s Spellbound Entertainment has landed Fisher-Price as the North and Latin American master toy licensee for its preschool property The Koala Brothers. The series, which launched in the U.K. on the BBC this past October, will begin airing State-side as part of the Playhouse Disney block in early 2004. Fisher-Price plans to create a range of preschool-skewing toys, plush, View Master products, games, puzzles and electronic learning system software based on the show’s Outback characters. The line will launch in fall 2005.

Mucha Lucha pins Jakks Pacific

Jakks Pacific has landed the master toy license for Warner Bros.’ hit wrestling-themed boys show Mucha Lucha. Toys slated for development include action figures, play sets, role play SKUs and plush, as well as a collectible toy line for the ardent Mucha fan. Retail shipments will begin in spring 2004.

Hello Kitty’s got a ticket to ride

Just when you thought you’d seen everything, Hello Kitty rights owner Sanrio has signed a three-year licensing agreement with Japanese taxi cab company Kanachu for 10 pink and blue Hello Kitty taxis. The vehicles feature Hello Kitty tissue and are smoke-free and piloted only by women. Sanrio was concerned that taxi drivers, generally a rough and gruff lot, wouldn’t provide the right kind of fit with the property.

Fox Kids Europe lands Shin Chan rights

Fox Kids Europe’s consumer products division has acquired licensing rights for the Japanese series Shin Chan from TV Asahi. The deal covers the U.K., France, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Italy, Belgium and Luxembourg, spanning major categories like toys, PC/video games, apparel, gifts & novelties, home furnishings and housewares. FKE’s consumer products team is currently seeking licensing partners.

Biplano says hola SpongeBob

MTV Networks International has announced new distribution and licensing deals for SpongeBob SquarePants in Spain. Broadcaster Antena 3 has picked up the 60-episode series, while licensing agency Biplano will rep the great porous one in Spain. In fact, Biplano is now the agent for all Nickelodeon properties in the territory.