Jakks Pacific inks Nick deal

Kid programming powerhouse Nickelodeon has granted Malibu, California-based toyco Jakks Pacific a master activity toys and stationery license. Expanding upon existing agreements between the two companies, the deal encompasses the Nickelodeon brand and 12 Nick properties, including Rugrats, Blue’s Clues, SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer.

Products likely to be developed by Jakks’ Flying Colors division under the terms of the license include activity kits, play compounds, writing instruments, mechanical design toys, BTS stationery items and lunch boxes.

Upcoming film and TV offering Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius was recently announced as an additional property covered under the deal. Jakks expects to have a Jimmy Neutron play compound at retail to complement the film’s release in late 2001, followed by a full line of activity toys slated for release in fall 2002.

CPG indie once again following buyout

Backed by specialist private equity company ProVen Private Equity, European licensing agency Copyright Promotions Group has completed a management buyout from parent company ISMM, which acquired CPG in 1999 for over US$32.6 million. ISMM declared bankruptcy in May 2001.