• January 5, 2009

HIT Entertainment has appointed Fisher-Price, Inc. as the global master toy licensee for Thomas & Friends in a multi-territory, multi-year deal.

Under the terms of the agreement, Fisher-Price, a division of Mattel, Inc., will bring together some of Thomas & Friends' core category rights and will begin using its worldwide distribution capability to enhance and grow the brand's long-term business.

The first line of products will be available in 2010 and will expand as existing licensees' rights expire across key toy categories.

Fisher-Price has been granted the global rights for Thomas & Friends, excluding Japan.--Nina Lentini