LOS ANGELES – In preparation for Brand Licensing Europe this month, Saban Brands has announced the expanse of brands that it will be presenting to potential European partners, including the phenomenal Power Rangers brand which celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2013 with the new series Power Rangers Megaforce; the iconic Paul Frank lifestyle brand and a new animated preschool series based on characters developed under the Paul Frank brand, Julius Jr.; Saban Brands’ recently acquired Digimon brand which launches a newseries titled Digimon Fusion,and the reintroduction of the ‘80s hit Popples, furry little transformable creatures. The announcement was made today by Kirk Bloomgarden, SVP, International Licensing, Saban Brands.

The Power Rangers brand builds momentum around the globe in anticipation of its 20th anniversary celebration in 2013, with the debut of the latest installment of the brand, Power Rangers Megaforce.

“Our licensees are very excited about the latest Power Rangers installment and the fact that kids around the world continue to clamor for this property in all its forms.  Regardless of where they live or what language they speak, kids embrace the positive role models, and our creative team is committed to constantly re-energizing the brand.  That’s the secret to our 20 years of success with this phenomenal property,” said Bloomgarden.  

The original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers series, created and produced by Haim Saban in 1993, quickly became the most watched children’s television program in the United States.  Emphasizing the importance of teamwork, responsibility and helping others by following the adventures of a group of ordinary young people who “morphed” into superheroes.  As the #1 boys brand in the world from 1993-97, based on toy sales and television ratings, Power Rangers licensed products and promotions have generated billions of dollars in retail sales worldwide.  

Saban Brands also continues the expansion of the iconic Paul Frank lifestyle brand including the addition of newly announced licensing agents across Europe. Well-represented by a roster of global licensing agents who manage over 150 licensees worldwide, Saban Brands has added new licensing agents to the Paul Frank team, including Team Licensing in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, J&M Brands in the Benelux and, Plus Licens in Scandinavia and Eastern Europe.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with some of the best licensing agents in the business.  With their vast experience and knowledge in the market, these new partners will help us to grow our Paul Frank business in key markets across Europe,” said Bloomgarden.

Saban Brands has also appointed new Paul Frank worldwide licensees, including Play Imaginative (vinyl figures); Pan Am (travel-inspired bags with special edition linings); Spidi (high end camera accessories); Najarian Furniture Company (furniture line); and Ethos (sporting goods).

In Europe, Saban Brands has partnered with TV Mania as its Paul Frank master apparel partner for teens and adults in the UK, France, Germany, & Austria; TWC (watches pan-European)) and Sky Brands, (bedding and home accessories for Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland)

Acquired in 2010 by Saban Brands, Paul Frank also continues to expand its retail store presence across the globe with a focus on China where there will be over 100 dedicated Paul Frank Stores by the end of 2013..  New Paul Frank stores have also recently opened in Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Bogota and there are plans to open stores in South Africa in the near future.