The film's not due until July 1st 2009, but the licensing train has already started rolling for Ice Age 3, with games and puzzles specialist Ravensburger inking a deal with 20th Century Fox to become a licensee.

The firm is planning to introduce a puzzleball, a mammoth size floor puzzle, a board game and card game all featuring imagery from the third installment of the popular movie franchise.

All products will be launched in time to benefit from the movie's pre-launch publicity next summer.

"We're delighted to be partnering Fox Licensing & Merchandising on Ice Age 3," said Clive Richardson, marketing manager at Ravensburger. "The licence has a proven track record on box office receipts and merchandise sales. And it's a growing phenomenon - the franchise grew with the second film."

Carl Lumbard, senior VP and MD at Fox L&M, added: "We are excited to have Ravensburger join our licensing programme for Ice Age 3 and it is a testament to the true brand status of this film franchise that we can continue to welcome new partners on board."

Ravensburger has previously worked with Fox L&M on The Simpsons licence: indeed, its puzzleball featuring the brand was the number one licensed puzzle in the UK last year.

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