12TH October 2015, LONDON: Penguin Ventures is delighted to announce the appointment of leading independent licensing agency J&M Brands in the Benelux territories for the classic literary brand Spot known locally as Dribbel.
In looking to build on the success of the classic publishing in the market J&M Brands will be seeking partners to develop a range of licensed products including plush, apparel, bedding and homewares with the first products expected to launch in 2016. ‘Dribbel’ books have been published by leading Dutch publisher Unieboek Uitgeverij for over 20 years with new titles being released into the market annually.
J&M Brands extensive experience in the market managing classic character brands, such as Snoopy, Hello Kitty, Mr,Men and Paul Frank will make sure that Dribbel is in good company as he joins their growing roster of properties. The founding team of J&M Brands have over 40 years combined experience in licensing, brand management and marketing and will look to work with best in class partners to develop the property in the market.
Susan Bolsover, Head of Licensing and Consumer Products at Penguin Ventures, said: ‘’ We are thrilled to be working with J&M Brands on such an iconic literary character for the Benelux market, as we know ‘Dribbel’ is very much loved by parents and children alike. The team’s keen eye for design, strong licensee connections and great retailer and marketing support will no doubt be a driving force in bringing the brand to consumers in the region.’’
Susan’s sentiments were echoed by Jannienke Mulder, Managing Director at J&M Brands, who said ‘’We are very pleased to start working as the licensing agent in the Benelux for ‘Spot’ or Dribbel as he is better known here, this character has been a favourite amongst our pre-schoolers for many years. We are looking forward to launching a beautiful licensing programme around this enormously popular and loveable puppy!’’
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Notes to editors
For more information on this partnership, please email Susan Bolsover at Penguin Ventures on SBolsolver@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk, or Jannienke Mulder at J&M Brands on j.mulder@jmbrands.nl.
About Penguin Ventures:
Stories have always been at the heart of Penguin, but now we tell those stories in new and exciting ways. Penguin Ventures brings together licensing, consumer products, TV production and live event strategies to find brilliant new ways to tell the world’s favourite stories. Penguin Ventures look after brands such as The Snowman™ and the Snowdog, Beatrix Potter, Ladybird Books: The Vintage Collection, Spot, Flower Fairies, Hairy Maclary and Friends and Topsy and Tim. Penguin Ventures is a division of Penguin Random House Children’s.
About J&M Brands:
J&M Brands B.V. is a young, dynamic company founded in 2012 by Jannienke Mulder and Monique Beck. Within a short period J&M Licensing has built up a strong portfolio with brands as Hello Kitty, One Direction, Snoopy, Mr. Men Ltd. and Paul Frank. The founders are two creative women, with over 20 years of experience in licensing, brand management and marketing. Each with thier own strength, they are perfectly suited to position a brand in the Benelux market and lift each brand to a new level. They do this with a professional, passionate, personal and powerful approach that focuses on profitable results. J&M Brands is an all round partner that has an undeniable expertise in brand licensing.
Jennifer Cooper
@jenlcoops