In a massive multi-territory, multi million dollar deal, HIT Entertainment – the self proclaimed leading independent children’s entertainment producers and rights owners, has awarded Fisher-Price worldwide distribution rights to Thomas & Friends – that adorable railroad engine the is the delight of preschool boys everywhere.
Global rights (with the exception of Japan, but hey, the Power Rangers control that – right?) will included the manufacture and distribution of new product lines that include:
— Vehicles, figures and play-sets, including die cast vehicles and play sets, and the TrackMaster(TM) train system
— Preschool toys, including electronic learning and developmental toys
— Plush, games, puzzles, role play and water toys
— Battery-powered ride-ons
— Plastic pedal trikes (North and South America and Asia only)
The well known Wooden track system, however, will continue to be manufactured by RC2.
The deal is a natural, however, as Fisher-Price is the name in preschool toys, so to align Thomas & Friends with this distribution juggernaut that also controls distribution rights to another PBS brand name – Sesame Street – and it eeps the popular toy right in the sites of parents and kids who love the little tank engine.
New toys in the Thomas & Friends line will be available beginning in 2010.
Hat Tip – Reuters