WildBrain CPLG, one of the world’s leading entertainment, sport and brand licensing agencies, is expanding its multi‐territory representation deal with Peanuts Worldwide to include the Indian market. Under its recently launched dedicated India office, WildBrain CPLG will build on its successful EMEA partnership for the iconic Peanuts character brand and assemble a local cross‐category program targeting apparel, gifting, homewares, stationery, pet accessories and promotions for all demographics.
WildBrain CPLG’s new licensing operations in India are led by Managing Director MENA and South Asia, Neesha Krishna, who will lead the local strategy for Peanuts in the region on behalf of Peanuts Worldwide, working with Mangesh Hande, Commercial Director for India, and reporting to Pau Pascual, VP Southern Europe, MENA and South Asia.
India is the latest in the consolidation of Peanuts territory rights under WildBrain CPLG, since the acquisition of the brand by the agency’s parent company WildBrain in 2017. WildBrain CPLG’s existing remit for Peanuts covers the UK; France; Spain; Italy; Central and Eastern Europe; Middle East and North Africa; Germany, Austria & Switzerland; Benelux; Greece; Turkey; Russia; and the Nordics.
Recent Peanuts success across existing territories:
Additionally, WildBrain CPLG has seen a raft of successful collaborations for Peanuts in existing markets. The agency’s French team recently activated a partnership with Lacoste for a global family fashion collaboration and also secured Nocibe for a health and beauty range, YSL for a Peanuts jumper and Swildens for an apparel line. In the UK, Marks & Spencer introduced a baby and kids’ collection for Christmas 2021, Moonpig.com launched a range of Peanuts-themed greetings cards this month, and an exciting partnership with the Dogs Trust will see a public art trail launch in Cardiff during Spring 2022.
In Italy, Iceberg launched an apparel collection, Intimissimi Uomo released a range of Christmas menswear, Calzedonia a line of socks and Zafferano Poldina a design lamp. In MENA, a promotional activation recently took place with quick service restaurant Herfy. For Spain, Nerthus launched a range of kitchenware, and in Greece, MyIkona has created a range of personalised apparel, homewares and stationery.
Tim Erickson, Executive Vice President of Brand at Peanuts Worldwide, said: “Our expanded presence with WildBrain CPLG over the past several years has resulted in meaningful growth and collaboration across the EMEA region. Bringing India into that portfolio allows us to continue building this important market and strengthen Peanuts’ existing MENA business.”
Maarten Weck, Executive Vice President & Managing Director at WildBrain CPLG, added: “We’re seeing huge success for Peanuts across all markets with stand‐out new lines and innovative executions. The expansion of our Peanuts representation into India marks a significant step in strengthening our global footprint and growing our dedicated territory operations. A brand with Peanuts’ heritage and cross‐demographic appeal offers significant opportunities for partners and retailers in the burgeoning Indian region, and we’ll utilize our vast experience to find the right partners to engage local consumers.”
WildBrain CPLG India currently represents entertainment, lifestyle and sporting properties from the agency’s portfolio, including Yale and Harvard universities, Tetris, Archie Comics, emoji – The Iconic Brand, Juventus Football Club and Osprey London, plus Authentic Brands Group’s celebrity brands Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe and Muhammad Ali, fashion brands Aéropostale and Nine West and sports brand Prince Tennis. WildBrain CPLG India will also focus on broadening licensing activity to support the ambitious global strategy for WildBrain’s proprietary brands, including Strawberry Shortcake and the Teletubbies.