Saban Brands Names Hasbro as Power Rangers Master Toy Partner
After a 25-year partnership building the Power Rangers franchise, Saban Brands and Bandai have mutually agreed not to renew their global Power Rangers master toy license agreement. Effective April 1, 2019 Hasbro will hold the worldwide rights as master toy partner, excluding Japan and certain other Asian markets.
Under the terms of their agreement, Hasbro will design, produce, and bring to market an assortment of toys, games, and roleplay items inspired by by the franchise and its entertainment properties, which prepares to head into its 26th season on Nickelodeon.
Saban’s Power Rangers currently airs in 150 markets around the world and is translated into numerous languages.
The first set of products from Hasbro will be available in spring 2019. Both Hasbro and Saban Brands are dedicated to continue growing this iconic brand. In recognition of this investment and during a period of time after Hasbro becomes the master toy licensee, the arrangement provides Saban Brands and Hasbro with the opportunity to initiate Hasbro’s purchase of the Power Rangers property.
Bandai will continue to support Power Rangers, including the 2018 commemoration of the Power Rangers 25th anniversary and the current season, Super Ninja Steel, through 2018. In addition, Bandai, through its partnership with Toei Company Ltd., will continue to exploit toy rights for the Super Sentai series, which has enjoyed more than 40 years of success, in Japan and select other Asian territories.
FAO Schwarz Reveals Plans for International Expansion
Following its relaunch in 2017, FAO Schwarz continues its international growth strategy, moving the brand into new global markets, channels, and categories.
FAO Schwarz will launch into mainland China this year via a brand collaboration with China’s largest toy distributor, Kidsland. The long-term, multi-channel partnership will see FAO Schwarz enter the market with a flagship location in Beijing and Shanghai. Kidsland will also open 30 smaller FAO Schwarz specialty stores and shop-in-shops in 200 department stores across the country over the next five years.
The announcement comes on the heels of a successful holiday season, in which FAO Schwarz introduced an extensive collection of classic toys and specialty items at shop-in-shops in more than 5,000 retailers nationwide, and the reveal of the planned opening of a new 20,000 square-foot flagship location in Rockefeller Plaza in time for the holiday 2018 season.
In addition, FAO Schwarz has entered into an exclusive agreement with Hudson Group, one of the largest travel retailers in North America, to open a chain of FAO Schwarz-branded airport shops in the U.S. and Canada. The stores will feature signature FAO Schwarz branded toys and games as well as products from other leading brands. The first store will debut later this year, including stand-alone candy stores under the famous FAO Schwartz brand.
NECA Acquires Chia Pet, The Clapper Brands
National Entertainment Collectibles Association (NECA), Joseph Enterprises (JEI), and Joseph Pedott Advertising and Marketing (JPAM) announced the closing of an agreement under which NECA has acquired both companies. The globally recognized companies behind the creation and success of Chia Pet and The Clapper join the growing NECA family of specialty entertainment companies, which are poised for cross-company collaboration.
JEI and JPAM will proceed as NECA subsidiaries under the auspices of current Vice-Presidents Michael Hirsch and Al Lam, and will continue business as usual. JPAM has produced and broadcast television commercials throughout the U.S. and Canada more than 55 years of existence and will continue to purchase TV time on behalf of its clients and JEI. The companies will remain headquartered in San Francisco, and gain the support of NECA’s network of suppliers, creatives and internal team members.
Joseph Pedott, founder of both companies, will remain involved for the transition to help oversee the businesses as they are integrated into the NECA family.
G2 Capital Advisors, LLC was the exclusive sell-side financial advisor to Joseph Enterprises, Inc. and Joseph Pedott Advertising and Marketing, Inc.
NBA,KidRobot Team Up for Charity
The NBA and Kidrobot are celebrating this All-Star Weekend by auctioning off unique toy figurines designed by notable street artists, all to support kids’ after-school programs. Available now at Charitybuzz.com/kidrobot, the NBA and Kidrobot collaboration features basketball-inspired designs based on Kidrobot’s iconic Munny character.
The collection will be unveiled and on display during NBA All-Star Weekend at NBA Crossover, the league’s fan event taking place at The Majestic Downtown Los Angeles. NBA Crossover will showcase the convergence of the NBA and pop culture through art, music, fashion, technology and entertainment activations. NBA players, legends and influencers will be making appearances throughout the weekend.