Konami names new licensees for Italy, South Africa, Greece, the Balkans and Eastern Europe
At the opening of this year’s BLE, Europe’s leading trade show dedicated to licensing and brand extension, Konami Cross Media NY, Inc. announced today the signing of a new global licensing agreement for Yu-Gi-Oh! bedding and bath products with the renowned textile company, Jay Franco & Sons Inc.
Additionally, the Company announces the appointment of sub agents for the Yu-Gi-Oh! brand in: Italy, South Africa, Greece, the Balkans and Eastern Europe.
The announcements were made today by Jennifer Coleman, Vice President of Licensing and Marketing, Konami Cross Media NY, Inc.
New developments and chances
The new partnership with Jay Franco & Sons, Inc. will allow the company to develop and sell a collection of home goods including reversible comforters, sheets, and throws as well as bath and hand towels, shower curtains, bath accessories and decorative pillows globally. The products will be available on-line and in stores in time for the holiday season.
“We are thrilled to have Jay Franco & Sons on board to deliver a new line of Yu-Gi-Oh! bedding and bath,” said Coleman. “Our fans will be able to sleep more soundly surrounded by the anime characters they love and who have been a comforting part of their lives”.
In a move to expand its worldwide presence for the Yu-Gi-Oh! brand, Konami Cross Media NY, Inc. have named new sub agents in Europe and in South Africa. In Italy, an agreement has been signed with Starbright Licensing SRL led by Giada Paterlini and Isabella Barone. In discussing the new deal, Giada Paterlini stated "We are happy to be working with the team at KCMNY for Yu-Gi-Oh!, further strengthening our agency’s anime portfolio. Yu-Gi-Oh! is one of the most beloved evergreen anime of all time and we look forward to an inspiring collaboration for Italian fans."
Several countries are covered
Additionally, Licensi, a new licensing agency, will cover several countries including: Greece, Serbia, Croatia, Albania, Romania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Kosovo, North Macedonia and European Turkey. The new agency is headed by Andreas Tsochantaris and Georgios Zervos. Looking beyond Europe, the company has also signed on veteran licensing agency, Character Licensing and Marketing (CLM) to represent the Yu-Gi-Oh! brand in South Africa led by Graham Stephen.
“We look forward to our new partnerships with Starbright, Licensi and CLM as we continue to increase awareness of the Yu-Gi-Oh! brand and identify new fan engagement opportunities,” Coleman added.
Source: www.konami.com/crossmedia/us/en/products/yugioh/news/jay-franco-and-son-press-release/.