Fisher-Price gains global Thomas rights
By Staff -- Playthings, 1/5/2009 8:19:00 AM
NEW YORK—Thomas & Friends licensor HIT Entertainment has granted Mattel’s Fisher-Price division global master toy rights to the train-themed preschool property in a multi-year deal.
Under the terms of the agreement, Fisher-Price will debut its first line of Thomas products in 2010, then expand its assortment as existing licensees' rights expire across key toy categories.
Fisher-Price’s worldwide Thomas rights now include those for vehicles, figures and playsets—including die-cast vehicles and playsets—and TrackMaster trains; preschool toys, including electronic learning and developmental toys; plush, games, puzzles, role play and water toys; battery-powered ride-ons; and plastic pedal trikes (for distribution in North and South America and Asia only). Its rights do not include distribution of any products in Japan.
"We are both excited and proud to be working with the world's most successful preschool brand for boys,” said Neil Friedman, president of Mattel Brands. “It feels only natural that the world's number one preschool brand for boys and the world's largest toy company should work together to continue the growth and development of this much-loved property.”
RC2 continues to hold rights for Thomas & Friends wooden trains under its existing deal through 2012. Its rights for Thomas die-cast toys cease at the end of 2009.
The duration of Fisher-Price's new agreement was not disclosed.
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