GB eye acquired by Abysse Corp as the European fan merchandise specialist positions for global growth

The European fan-focused merchandise specialist, Abysse Corp has acquired the UK posters and fan merchandise specialist, GB eye in a multi-million pound deal.

The move will combine Abysse Corp’s global presence with GB eye’s extensive local production, manufacturing expertise, and market knowledge, while strengthening the goal to create ‘the best fan-focused products.’

GB eye is recognised as one of ther UK’s market leaders in the production of posters and fan based merchandise since its establishment in 1986. The firm currently boasts over 100 licenses as well as significant agreements with key UK retailers.

Meanwhile, Abysse Corp has enjoyed substantial year on year growth since its inception in 2003. The acquisition will now offer Abysse Corp further distribution into the UK, Europe’s largest market for licensed products.

At the same time, GB eye’s range will now have access to a new level of worldwide distribution. The merger will also offer new warehousing and manufacturing capabilities in the UK and across mainland Europe, helping the team circumnavigate the restrictions imposed by Brexit.

The GB eye Board of Directors said in a press release issued this week that “after 35 years in the business, we are delighted to announce the sale of the company to Abysse Corp.

“We are leaving GB eye in good hands. This was incredibly important to us. Abysse Corp is the perfect fit and has a like-minded business strategy with the ability to identify forthcoming trends and create high quality products for any pop culture fans.

“Abysse Corp plans a smooth continuation of the business by adding the highly regarded GB eye brand to its existing global distribution network. The growth potential of the combined group is very exciting and we strongly believe that this is great news for all the GB eye staff as the business continues to go from strength to strength.

“We would also like to take this opportunity to thank licensors, customers, suppliers, and of course our many loyal staff members who have worked tirelessly over the years to make GB eye the successful business it is today. We wish you all the success in the future.”

Xavier Sartoris, Abysse Corp president, said: “The integration of GB eye is a fantastic opportunity to onboard a well-trained and very professional team. The two companies are really complementary and it is a great step to add GB eye’s production facility to ours in France.

“Local production and a strong domestic distribution is certainly the reason why both companies show such an amazing resilience in the covid time.”

Following the acquisition, the group will employ almost 300 staff and expects a consolidated turnover close to €60 million for 2021.

The RHS launches new toiletries range in partnership with Heathcote & Ivory

The Royal Horticultural Society has launched a new range of toiletries in partnership with its licensing partner Heathcote & Ivory, a leading name in British beauty and fine toiletries.

Called Home Grown, the vegan-friendly beauty and wellness collection takes inspiration from the wellbeing benefits of growing vegetables, herbs, and flowers at home and includes a 100ml Hand Cream and Twist Key, a Care For Hands Gift Set, Scented Soothing Oat Soap on a Dish, Hand Essentials with two 30ml Handcreams and more.

The Heathcote & Ivory RHS Home Grown range will be available from March 10th at RHS shops, online, and via leading garden centres across the UK.

Not only are the ingredients in the range inspired by nature’s home-grown gifts such as carrot seed oil, beetroot extract and pumpkin extract, but both the ingredients and the packaging reflect the focus of the partners in this agreement on sustainability and environmentally friendly messaging.

For the packaging, environmentally friendly glass bottle and aluminium tubes and post-consumer recycled plastic tubes are used. All products are cruelty-free and vegan-friendly.

The items – and the packaging – also make use of designs inspired by artwork from the RHS Lindley Collections, the world’s largest collection of botanical art. The designs were also inspired by the ingredients – carrot seed oil, snow mushroom, and beetroot and pumpkin extract – used in the formulations.

Established in London in 2000 by Denis Aaronson, Heathcote & Ivory has grown into a lifestyle brand exporting around the world to over 35 countries. Heathcote & Ivory collections are stocked in renowned department stores across the UK as well as independent boutiques and speciality retailers.

The RHS Home Grown collection is the latest range in the very successful RHS partnership with Heathcote & Ivory that launched in spring 2019 with the Flower Blooms Daisy Garland and Tender Palm toiletry ranges. Trellis, the third release in the RHS Flower Blooms series, launched in the autumn of the same year, while the most recent in the series was RHS Flower Blooms Lavender Garden, which launched in the spring of 2020.

Denis Aaronson, managing director, Heathcote & Ivory, said: “We are delighted to be continuing our wonderful partnership with the RHS, whose tireless support of gardeners and gardening has encouraged us to produce a range inspired by the joys of growing vegetables, herbs and flowers at home.”

Lesley Aaronson, creative director, Heathcote & Ivory, added: “The design of the RHS Home Grown range celebrates the joy of growing vegetables and flowers, their vibrant colours and beautiful shapes – a delightful series of images and products inspired by a lasting and valuable partnership.”

Shereen Llewellin, licensing executive, RHS, added: “Wellbeing has long been one of the major benefits of growing vegetables, herbs and flowers, and this collection perfectly captures the mental and physical rewards of home growing. It’s a collection designed to nurture frequently washed hands, soothe tired limbs and uplift the spirits.”

The RHS launches new toiletries range in partnership with Heathcote & Ivory

The Royal Horticultural Society has launched a new range of toiletries in partnership with its licensing partner Heathcote & Ivory, a leading name in British beauty and fine toiletries.

Called Home Grown, the vegan-friendly beauty and wellness collection takes inspiration from the wellbeing benefits of growing vegetables, herbs, and flowers at home and includes a 100ml Hand Cream and Twist Key, a Care For Hands Gift Set, Scented Soothing Oat Soap on a Dish, Hand Essentials with two 30ml Handcreams and more.

The Heathcote & Ivory RHS Home Grown range will be available from March 10th at RHS shops, online, and via leading garden centres across the UK.

Not only are the ingredients in the range inspired by nature’s home-grown gifts such as carrot seed oil, beetroot extract and pumpkin extract, but both the ingredients and the packaging reflect the focus of the partners in this agreement on sustainability and environmentally friendly messaging.

For the packaging, environmentally friendly glass bottle and aluminium tubes and post-consumer recycled plastic tubes are used. All products are cruelty-free and vegan-friendly.

The items – and the packaging – also make use of designs inspired by artwork from the RHS Lindley Collections, the world’s largest collection of botanical art. The designs were also inspired by the ingredients – carrot seed oil, snow mushroom, and beetroot and pumpkin extract – used in the formulations.

Established in London in 2000 by Denis Aaronson, Heathcote & Ivory has grown into a lifestyle brand exporting around the world to over 35 countries. Heathcote & Ivory collections are stocked in renowned department stores across the UK as well as independent boutiques and speciality retailers.

The RHS Home Grown collection is the latest range in the very successful RHS partnership with Heathcote & Ivory that launched in spring 2019 with the Flower Blooms Daisy Garland and Tender Palm toiletry ranges. Trellis, the third release in the RHS Flower Blooms series, launched in the autumn of the same year, while the most recent in the series was RHS Flower Blooms Lavender Garden, which launched in the spring of 2020.

Denis Aaronson, managing director, Heathcote & Ivory, said: “We are delighted to be continuing our wonderful partnership with the RHS, whose tireless support of gardeners and gardening has encouraged us to produce a range inspired by the joys of growing vegetables, herbs and flowers at home.”

Lesley Aaronson, creative director, Heathcote & Ivory, added: “The design of the RHS Home Grown range celebrates the joy of growing vegetables and flowers, their vibrant colours and beautiful shapes – a delightful series of images and products inspired by a lasting and valuable partnership.”

Shereen Llewellin, licensing executive, RHS, added: “Wellbeing has long been one of the major benefits of growing vegetables, herbs and flowers, and this collection perfectly captures the mental and physical rewards of home growing. It’s a collection designed to nurture frequently washed hands, soothe tired limbs and uplift the spirits.”

Hasbro signs five year Fortnite deal with Epic Games for action figures, vehicles, and more

Hasbro has outlined a five year extension of its partnership with Epic Games and its world-beating MMO gaming title, Fortnite as the toy company looks to expand its product licensing deal beyond outdoor play products and games and into collectable action figures, vehicles, and role-play gear.

The plan was announced last week during Hasbro’s all-virtual investors event, extending the successful two-year deal brokered by IMG between the global entertainment outfit and Epic Games. The partnership kicked off with the launch of a variety of Fortnite themes NERF blasters and a Fortnite Monopoly.

Now, with the growing partnership, Hasbro is excited to bring new products as well as in-game experiences to Fortnite fans of all ages, first with the recent in-game debut of G.I. JOE character, Snake Eyes. Coinciding with the in-game integration of this fan-favorite character, Hasbro released a Fortnite x G.I. Joe Collab Snake Eyes: Zero Point Edition figure available exclusively on Hasbro Pulse for fans aged 16 and older in the US and Canada.

“Hasbro’s expertise in the realm of collectible figure and role-play segments has yielded incredibly positive results for our long roster of entertainment-based action brands,” said Adam Biehl, SVP and GM at Hasbro, Inc.

“We’ve had tremendous success collaborating with Epic Games and the Fortnite brand over the past few years, and this expanded product licensing partnership allows us to deliver an amazing lineup of Fortnite-inspired toys and collector items that we’re confident fans will be excited to experience.”

New Hasbro-licensed Fortnite products are on track to launch in autumn this year.

Fortnite is the completely free multiplayer game where you and your friends collaborate to create your dream Fortnite world or battle to be the last one standing. Fortnite and its Battle Royale and Creative modes are free and available on PC, Mac, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch and Android.

Hasbro signs five year Fortnite deal with Epic Games for action figures, vehicles, and more

Hasbro has outlined a five year extension of its partnership with Epic Games and its world-beating MMO gaming title, Fortnite as the toy company looks to expand its product licensing deal beyond outdoor play products and games and into collectable action figures, vehicles, and role-play gear.

The plan was announced last week during Hasbro’s all-virtual investors event, extending the successful two-year deal brokered by IMG between the global entertainment outfit and Epic Games. The partnership kicked off with the launch of a variety of Fortnite themes NERF blasters and a Fortnite Monopoly.

Now, with the growing partnership, Hasbro is excited to bring new products as well as in-game experiences to Fortnite fans of all ages, first with the recent in-game debut of G.I. JOE character, Snake Eyes. Coinciding with the in-game integration of this fan-favorite character, Hasbro released a Fortnite x G.I. Joe Collab Snake Eyes: Zero Point Edition figure available exclusively on Hasbro Pulse for fans aged 16 and older in the US and Canada.

“Hasbro’s expertise in the realm of collectible figure and role-play segments has yielded incredibly positive results for our long roster of entertainment-based action brands,” said Adam Biehl, SVP and GM at Hasbro, Inc.

“We’ve had tremendous success collaborating with Epic Games and the Fortnite brand over the past few years, and this expanded product licensing partnership allows us to deliver an amazing lineup of Fortnite-inspired toys and collector items that we’re confident fans will be excited to experience.”

New Hasbro-licensed Fortnite products are on track to launch in autumn this year.

Fortnite is the completely free multiplayer game where you and your friends collaborate to create your dream Fortnite world or battle to be the last one standing. Fortnite and its Battle Royale and Creative modes are free and available on PC, Mac, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch and Android.

Disney+ saddles up with Boat Rocker Studios’ pre-school hit Dino Ranch

Disney+ UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand have each saddled up for Boat Rocker Studios’ popular animated comedy, Dino Ranch, following the series successful debut on Disney Junior and DisneyNow throughout January.

The series is set to launch on the Disney+ streaming platform from April 2021.

Dino Ranch proved an immediate hit on Disney Junior US, ranking as the number one US cable series among Kids, Boys and Girls aged two to five since launch. Among Disney Junior repeats, Dino Ranch also ranks number with Kids, Boys and Girls two to five.

Also available on DisneyNOW and VOD, Dino Ranch has been the number three Disney Junior long-form series for three consecutive weeks. Two episodes have been posted on Disney Junior’s YouTube channel (“Big Jon, Big Trouble” and “Spookasaurus”) and have amassed over 1.5 million views collectively. In the six weeks since the launch of the official Dino Ranch YouTube channel it has accumulated over 3 million views.

Created by Matt Fernandes of Industrial Brothers and produced by Industrial Brothers and Boat Rocker Studios, Dino Ranch follows the action-packed exploits of the Cassidy family, ranchers with a difference – their charges are dinosaurs of all shapes and sizes who are also their best friends.

The new Disney+ deals follow recent global sales of Dino Ranch to Super RTL/Toggo Plus (Germany), Gulli plus TiJi and Gulli Africa (France), NRK (Norway), YLE (Finland) and DR (Denmark).

Boat Rocker Studios is managing global content distribution and global merchandising rights to the series.

Sambro International appoints Paul Blackaby as new chief executive officer

The popular toy manufacturer and distributor, Sambro International Limited has appointed Paul Blackaby as its new chief executive officer, as he looks to “lead the team through its next stage of development.”

Blackaby joined the Sambro business in February 2020 as chief financial officer, bringing with him many years of experience in both the manufacturing and consumer goods sectors at a senior level.

“I am completely delighted to be given the opportunity to lead this fantastic business and terrific team through its next stage of development,” said Blackaby. “There has been some great work undertaken in recent years which we will harness and build from – we are all excited about Sambro’s future.”

The award-winning, Manchester based business recently announced that it was assessing growth opportunities after securing a £13 million funding package with its banking partner.

Sambro achieved strong sales in 2020 despite the challenges of the pandemic and employs more than 90 people in its offices in Bury, Amsterdam and Hong Kong.

Steamforged Games launches its bluffing and scheming card game Peaky Blinders: Faster Than Truth

The tabletop games publisher, Steamforged Games has launched its official Peaky Blinders card game, a new competitive title based on the multi award-winning television drama.

Aimed a three to six players, Peaky Blinders: Faster Than Truth forces players to keep their cards close to their chest as they navigate a gameplay inspired by the BAFTA award-winning TV drama. Set in 1920s Birmingham, the game features fan-favourite characters from the series.

Released worldwide on February 26th, Peaky Blinders: Faster Than truth centres on bluffing and tricking opponents. Like characters in the show, players can also choose whether to make alliances, break alliances, and even sabotage and steal from their rivals.

Mat Hart, co-founder and creative director at Steamforged Games, said: “When I first watched Peaky Blinders, I was instantly blown away by the vivid depiction of Britain after the Great War – a time of raw, bloody fighting for survival in an industrial landscape gripped by upheaval.

“We wanted to capture that feeling of playing your cards close to your chest, ever mindful of the razor-thin line between winning and losing. Blink first and you lose, and never forget that fortune smiles on the bold.”

Peaky Blinders: Faster Than Truth is available from game retailers in the UK priced at £14.99.

New My Little Pony, Transformers, and Magic: The Gathering content among Hasbro’s mass roll-out announcements

It was a flurry of major new announcements across each of its sectors that Hasbro issued throughout its first all virtual investor event this week, including new film and TV content for its biggest franchises including My Little Pony, Transformers, and Magic: The Gathering.

In an address opened by Hasbro’s chairman and CEO, Brian Goldner, the entertainment powerhouse kicked off proceedings by detailing new financial reporting segments: Consumer Products, Wizards of the Coast and Digital Gaming, and Entertainment.

“We have simplified our structure to maximise our growth and provide a clearer view to the drivers of Hasbro revenues, profit, margin, and cash generation,” said Goldner during the event.

“Our expectation is that we return to growth in revenues, earnings, and EBITDA in 2021. This includes revenue growth in all three segments to potentially achieve double-digit revenue growth across Hasbro for the year.”

The Wizards of the Coast and Digital Gaming segment will include all revenue associated with the Wizards of the Coast tabletop and digital games, including Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons, as well as licensed Hasbro digital gaming across the portfolio.

Entertainment spans all revenue associated with Hasbro and eOne entertainment across Family Brands, TV and Film, and music.

The announcement came with an extensive roll-out of new announcements across each of the segments, that included the detailing of new animated and live-action TV and film releases across some of Hasbro’s most iconic entertainment franchises, including My Little Pony, Transformers, Peppa Pig, Magic: The Gathering, and Dungeons and Dragons.

Consumer Products

Hasbro was quick to project a growth of the consumer products revenue above the industry growth rate, fuelled by an increase in its ecommerce business which it expects to make up for 50 per cent of all consumer products business by 2025.

In its direct to consumer channels, Hasbro is to launch Hasbro Pulse to the UK, with additional markets to follow, while it has also detailed a partnership with Amazon on its PlaySkool brand with a new focus on learning and sustainability for pre-school audiences.

The firm is extending its partnership with Epic Games to continue a licensed roster of products for its Nerf and Games Fotnite collaborations, while expanding the IP into action figures and role play this year and beyond.

Hasbro also detailed three new Monopoly launches in Monopoly Builder, Monopoly Crooked Cash, and the community-based Monopoly campaign launching on March 19.

The company is also eyeing new innovation in the gaming space, aligning itself with voice technology to integrate Alexa into its gaming offering with The Wanted Bounty Hunters board game, a titles that gives players an in-game connection to Alexa and the cinematic world of The Mandalorian.

The toy maker will also be supporting its robust theatrical and streaming calendar of content this year with ranges spanning GI Joe, Ghostbusters, Marvel, Star Wars, and Disney Princess new releases.

Completing the bill, and in partnership with Merlin Entertainment, Hasbro will be welcoming the opening of the first Peppa Pig theme park in LEGOLAND Florida next year.

Wizards of the Coast

A segment now spanning its hobby and digital gaming audiences, Wizards of the Coast is, according to the firm, ‘approximately halfway to achieving its target of doubling revenue from 2018 to 2023.’

2020 Wizards of the Coast revenue was $816 million, with Magic: The Gathering revenue up 23 per cent and Dungeons and Dragons revenue up 33 per cent for the year.

Alongside new digital game launches for both Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons, the unit has detailed new crossover products within the collectables and social play space with partners Warhammer 40,000 by Games Workshop, and Middle Earth Enterprises, to include characters from The Lord of the Rings universe.

Entertainment

Finally, within its Entertainment segment, Hasbro currently has more than 200 projects underway across TV and film.

Franchise plans include those with Transformers which has a panned feature film for 2022, a new animated feature film in developments, a third instalment of Transformers: War for Cybertron on Netflix, a new 20-episdoe animated comedy series on Netflix called Transformers: BotBots, and a new original animated Transformer series with Nickelodeon.

Meanwhile, Magic: The Gathering currently has a feature film in development at Fox, as well as a premium animated series in production with Netflix, while Dungeons and Dragons has partnered with Paramount Pictures for its own feature film, and a number of television projects are in the works.

With My Little Pony, a CGI film will debut on Netflix this year, alongside a new computer animated series.

New Peppa Pig content will continue to roll out through to 2023 as well as PJ Masks.

BBC Studios names Andrew Carley director of global licensing to build Bluey momentum

BBC Studios has promoted licensing industry expert Andrew Carley to the newly created role of director of global licensing, as the firm looks to build on the momentum of the hit pre-school brand Bluey.

In his new role, Carley will lead a five-year strategic growth plan for BBC Studios’ global licensing business, partnering with regional licensing teams, while reporting into BBC Studios’ chief marketing officer, Nicki Sheard.

“I am delighted that Andrew is taking on this new role to help us fuel the growth of Bluey which is quickly gaining worldwide fame,” said Sheard. “His experience of taking pre-school brands global will be invaluable in unlocking the potential of Bluey, and his strategic approach to licensing will benefit BBC Studios’ wider portfolio of hero brands.”

The former Entertainment One executive boasts a wealth of experience in building global licensing programmes around popular pre-school IP, having led the charge for eOne’s Peppa Pig before the company was acquired by the entertainment powerhouse, Hasbro, in 2019.

Andrew Carley, said: “The BBC has long been synonymous with high quality children’s programming. To be given the opportunity to use my experience to help build a long-term global licensing prgoramme around such fantastic programming, including Bluey, is hugely exciting.

“Bluey has many of the rare attributes associated with evergreen global preschool success stories. With that potential comes the opportunity to build on its success and cement BBC Studios’ position as a global player in licensing and consumer products.”

Bluey has already proven itself a hit in international markets, including its launch market Australia. The series has won a slate of awards including the International Kids Emmy and a host of Kidscreen awards. In the US, Bluey has been listed as the number two top new growth property last year for the total toy industry.

Bluey has struck up a number of partnerships across consumer products and publishing already, with Penguin Random House leading its master publishing roll-out, and Moose Toys tapped as the property’s master toy licensee.

Products is due to launch in the UK this year.