The U.S. food-maker has endorsed a 20-year license for up to 60 Cadbury Cocoa House outlets that will offer afternoon teas and a dedicated chocolatier service, according to published reports.

Cadbury had been in talks to open café outlets before its £11.6 billion ($17.8 billion) takeover by Kraft earlier this year.

The first sites will be in London and could open before the end of this year. David Morris, Harrods’ former director of food, beverages and restaurants, will head up the new venture as chief executive, with retail entrepreneur Marilyn Newman acting as chair.

Brought to you by

Global Icons and Performance Brands will seek out merchandise partners for both the BMW and Mini brands in mobility, fashion, entertainment and lifestyle.

“We are honored to be working with the best in its class and look forward to carrying on the ultimate experience of the BMW and Mini brands through global licensing endeavors,” says Jeff Lotman, chief executive officer of Global Icons. “The combination of the outstanding brand equities and desirability makes for an attractive product portfolio that will shape the future of luxury retail.”

Global Icons’ clients include Acura, Bennigan’s, Captain Morgan and Dannon, while Performance Brands represents Aston Martin, Heineken, Nintendo and others.

Brought to you by

As licensee, Starlight will produce standalone DVD and Blu-ray players, portable DVD players, e-book readers, iPod docking stations and home theater systems under the Polaroid brand.

“We continue to break new ground in introducing simple, fun and real products to existing and new fans of the iconic Polaroid brand,” says Scott W. Hardy, president of PLR. “We’re impressed with Starlight’s innovative product mix and research and development team who share our vision to expand into more digital product categories that embody the spirit of Polaroid.”
Starlight Marketing Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Starlight International Holdings.

Brought to you by

The toy range is slated for a 2011 rollout at mass retailers, as well as toy specialty, catalog, Internet and department stores. Each product will be packaged with information on the importance of child-driven play and ideas for parents and caregivers.

“Exploration through play is integral to children’s healthy development, allowing them to interact with the world, practice problem-solving skills and discover their interests and passions,” says Lesli Rotenberg, PBS’ senior vice president for children’s media. “PBS is dedicated to helping guide preschoolers through the milestones of early childhood, ensuring every child has an opportunity to reach his or her full potential. Parents have told us that they expect to find PBS wherever there is a learning opportunity for their children, and we are pleased to have found the right partners to extend our mission.”

Brought to you by

Rocket Hero has already secured more than 15 licensing deals, including Nike, Revell, Acme, Fathead, Jem Sportswear and Bioworld. An iPhone app is also in the works.

Aldrin is currently appearing as a contestant on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars.”

The Licensing International Expo will be held June 8 to 10 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. Aldrin will be at the Rocket Hero booth on the first day of the show.

Brought to you by

The appliance line is arriving now at more than 600 Tesco stores throughout the U.K. and Ireland, as well as online at Tesco Direct. The range has nine products, including a slow cooker and steam iron—all exclusive to Tesco.

“We have many retailers interested in using a familiar brand name for their business,” says Matthew Young, head of Electrolux Global Brand Licensing. “It’s much easier to ride the strength of a known entity. Consumers trust the brand name, retailers can spend less in advertising, and we can introduce our brands to even more customers.”

Brought to you by

The lottery tickets will be available this fall and will also include other Mars’ brands such as Skittles, Starburst, 3 Musketeers, Milky Way and Twix.

“Branded lottery tickets are an exciting, new licensing opportunity for Mars,” says John Capizzi, general manager of licensing for Mars Retail Group. “Alchemy3 has a successful track record developing solutions to increase brand awareness and sales by matching popular lottery games with major consumer brands. This new partnership will offer consumers fun and innovative lottery games showcasing our iconic Mars confection brands.”

Alchemy3’s other licenses include The Grammy’s, CBS Consumer Products, Bass Pro Shops, Six Flags, Twentieth Century Fox and Royal Caribbean.

Brought to you by

Luxottica will produce the sunglasses under an accessories label, called MDG. The range, which will retail from $248 to $289, will be available in May at Dolce & Gabbana stores worldwide, as well as at the Sunglass Hut chain and select opticians.
“MDG shows the diversity and range of brands and opportunities under MG Icon umbrella,” says Neil Cole, chief executive officer and chairman of Iconix Brand Group. “We look forward to the growth potential of this collection which aligns designing duo Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana’s expertise with Madonna’s vision.”

This is the first co-branded partnership for Dolce & Gabbana.

Last week, MG Icon secured a direct-to-retail license deal with Macy’s for a Material Girl juniors’ collection.

Brought to you by

The agreement is expected to include a combination of previously unreleased songs and re-packaging of older songs, with the first album hitting shelves in November. The deal, which covers the “This Is It” soundtrack, was brokered by John Branca and John McClain, special administrators of the Michael Jackson estate. The Wall Street Journal reports the deal to be worth $250 million.

“Michael has always been a treasured member of the Sony Music family,” says Rob Stringer, chairman of the Columbia Epic Label Group. “We’re dedicated to protecting this icon’s legacy and we’re thrilled that we can continue to bring his music to the world for the foreseeable future.”

Bravado represents the Michael Jackson estate in licensing. In January, the agent signed Playmates Toys to launch a line of Jackson figures and dolls later this year.

Brought to you by

“This is a unique opportunity to bring together two premier companies, each with iconic brands, which will deliver enhanced opportunities for our stockholders, business partners, customers and employees as we leverage a combined global platform in the years ahead,” says Emanuel Chirico, chairman and chief executive officer of PVH. “During almost four years as a private company under the leadership of Fred Gehring and his team, Tommy Hilfiger has continued to gain momentum in Europe and Asia, while successfully rebuilding its business in North America, producing impressive overall performance and generating strong profitability and free cash flow even during the recession.”

For the fiscal year ending March 31, 2010, Tommy Hilfiger’s revenue is expected to hit $2.25 billion. The brand spans menswear, womenswear, children’s apparel and denim and through licensees, accessories, fragrances and home furnishings.

“This is the next phase in the global evolution and expansion of the Tommy Hilfiger brand,” says Tommy Hilfiger. “I am confident that Manny Chirico and the PVH organization will provide Tommy Hilfiger with the support and investment to allow my great partners in the Tommy Hilfiger organization to do what is necessary to take our brand to new heights. I look forward to remaining actively involved in the business and believe that PVH is the ideal partner to help us achieve our goals.”

Hilfiger will remain on board as a principal designer and brand visionary and Fred Gehring will continue are chief executive officer of Tommy Hilfiger. In addition, Gehring will become chief executive officer of PVH’s international operations and will join the board of directors.

Phillips-Van Heusen owns and markets Calvin Klein, as well as licensed brands, Geoffrey Beene, Kenneth Cole New York, Kenneth Cole Reaction, Unlisted, Michael Michael Kors, Sean John, Donald J. Trump Signature Collection, Joe Joseph Abboud, DKNY and Timberland.

Brought to you by

The line will include towels, bathrobes, shower curtains and bath accessories. Waterworks, founded in 1978, is a North American maker of bath and kitchen faucets, surfaces, bathtubs, washstands, accessories and home furnishings, and has a number of retail showrooms across the country.

“We know that consumers shop for home through multiple channels—a consumer shopping habit that creates tremendous opportunity for Waterworks to broaden its reach,” says Joe Granger, president for Springs Global’s branded business. “We are looking forward to leveraging our leadership in the branded home fashions category and retail partnerships to take Waterworks to the next level in awareness and sales.”

Springs Global’s other brands include Wamsutta, Springmaid and Court of Versailles. The manufacturer recently partnered with fashion brand Diane Von Furstenberg for a home line.

Brought to you by

The Material Girl apparel collection, designed by Madonna and her daughter Lourdes, will roll out to approximately 200 Macy’s stores and www.macys.com in August in time for back-to-school. Additional categories will also launch, including footwear, handbags and jewelry, as well as a fragrance in 2011. The line will retail from $12 to $40.

The direct-to-retail deal with Macy’s includes the option to launch additional brands with MG Icon.

“We believe that Material Girl will be a dynamic exclusive brand for Macy’s and we look forward to working with Madonna, Lourdes and the Iconix team,” says Jeff Gennette, Macy’s chief merchandising officer. “Madonna is a fashion icon who can bring a new dimension to our juniors customer. Material Girl will enhance the excitement of fast fashion at Macy’s.”

In the joint-venture deal between Iconix and Madonna, MG Icon will develop and seek out business opportunities in the U.S. and worldwide, including the creation and acquisition of brands. MG Icon will be 50 percent owned by Iconix and 50 percent owned by an entity controlled by Madonna and Guy Oseary.

“Madonna is a legend in the world of music, fashion and entertainment and now with her deep involvement in MG Icon we will be able to leverage her vision into consumer products globally,” says Neil Cole, chief executive officer and chairman of Iconix Brand Group. “Our strategy is to introduce brands formed through the joint venture in multiple countries and organically expand worldwide.”

Iconix Brand Group consumer brands include Candie’s, Bongo, Badgley Mischka, Joe Boxer, Rampage, Mudd, London Fog, Roca Wear and Starter. The company also owns an interest in the Artful Dodger, Ed Hardy, Ecko, Marc Ecko and Zoo York brands.

Brought to you by

Hybrid Apparel is currently testing BSA-branded men’s, women’s and children’s apparel at 20 Target stores. If successful, the line will launch nationally at Target. Hybrid’s other retail partners include Walmart and Kmart.

This spring, Walmart will offer personalized fleece blankets from Manual Woodworkers and Weavers, where customers can visit an in-store photography kiosk and customize the product with Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Eagle Scouts designs, as well as with personal photos.

In addition, Camfour is producing a special-edition Ruger 22 rifle to roll out this spring at independent sporting goods and specialty stores, as well as Bass Pro Shops and Cabella’s.

Other partners include:

• Lladro for a 9-inch by 4-inch collectible “Classic Scout” porcelain figure, featuring illustrations by Norman Rockwell and the uniform worn in the 1970s (available now at Lladro Boutiques, www.lladro.com and select retail stores)
• W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery for six pocketknives, featuring the BSA logo on the handle and steel blade (April)
• Taylor Brands for the Schrade Old Timer and Schrade Uncle Henry pocketknife collection in a variety of styles, including collector’s tin (available now at specialty stores, mass market, regional chain and national chains)
• Sykel Enterprises for a 48-inch by 60-inch fabric print (available now at Walmart, Mary Jo’s Cloth and Hancock Fabric, as well as fabric stores and online)

Brought to you by

No further details have been announced regarding the multi-year deal.

“Laila Ali is a powerful and marketable franchise,” says Jay Kester, executive vice president of marketing for Cherokee. “This is only the first step in our global consumer products strategy for the Laila Ali brand. We are currently in discussions for the development and distribution of additional merchandise categories, including nutrition, health and wellness, sporting goods and apparel to complement beauty and personal care.”

Brought to you by

The drama/adventure-themed TV movie will include product placement from both companies, as well as ads running during commercial breaks. Procter & Gamble is reportedly spending $4.5 million to produce, while Walmart signed on as a presenting sponsor. The feature ties into the retailer’s new Family Moments promotion, featuring marketing and in-store efforts to offer more entertainment options for the entire family.

“At Walmart, we are committed to delivering more quality family entertainment options to parents across the country,” says Stephen Quinn, chief marketing officer for Walmart. “It’s something we know our shoppers want, it’s important to the growth of our business and it’s one more way we are delivering on our brand promise to help families save money and live better.”

Brought to you by

The DieHard product range will include battery chargers, jump starters and power inverters.

Brought to you by

The change includes all on- and off-air elements (including TV channels, online, consumer products, recreation and theatricals) and a new network logo, replacing the previous splat with a simple and bold typographical execution, which retains a link with the network’s heritage while giving it a more contemporary feel.

For the first time, the Nickelodeon global network will share the same logo and on-air brand identity, aligning all channels around the world under a unified look and feel.

“The channel re-brand signals a new global focus for the network,” says Peter Drake, vice president and creative director at Nickelodeon U.K. “It has a contemporary feel and effectively enables us to leverage the power of our brands globally.”

Brought to you by

The latest signings include:

• Cie Studios for American Honda Motor online racing games
• Maisto International for American Honda Motor die-cast replicas and model kits
• HJC America for a variety of American Honda Motor safety helmets
• Evigna for American Honda Motor-branded corporate promotional program
• Storm City Entertainment for American Honda Motor interactive games (Nintendo DS and DSi, Wii, Playstation 3, PSP, PSN, Xbox Live Arcade and PC)
• Blaze Products for Duraflame chafing fuels and chafing fuel kits
• CarVin Pool for Jacuzzi pool equipment, including pumps, filters, below-ground pool lights, skimmers, drains, liners, fittings and white goods
• CPA Pool Products for Jacuzzi pool care accessories, including telescopic poles, vacuum hoses, backwash hoses, leaf rakes, wall brushes, chlorinators, thermometers, wireless thermometers, water test kits, maintenance kits, pressure gauges, outdoor timers, solar blanket rollers, stainless steel ladders, automatic pool cleaners, pool liners and electric heat pumps

Global Icons also represents Acura, Benningan’s, Captain Morgan, Cold Stone Creamery, Tonino Lamborghini, Sunbeam and others.

Brought to you by

The new agreements include:

• NAS International for Donnay-branded golf and tennis equipment and apparel, accessories and umbrellas (U.S., Canada, Japan and Korea)
• HD Brown for Dunlop-branded golf and tennis equipment and accessories, as well as Carlton-branded badminton equipment and accessories (Canada)
• Rila Brand Comercio/SBF Comercio for Dunlop-branded footwear and swimming and diving apparel, as well as non-exclusive rights to bicycles (Brazil)
• No Mas for Everlast- and Lonsdale-branded men’s activewear apparel, headwear and bags (U.S.)
• Promofest Cia for Everlast-branded underwear, headwear and socks (Ecuador)
• Distribuidora Action Sports for No Fear-branded apparel, headwear and footwear (Chile and Peru)
• Active Brands for No Fear-branded men’s, women’s and children’s apparel, footwear, headwear, socks, bags, wallets, key chains, mixed martial arts apparel, stationery, energy bars, eyewear and helmets for skating and cycling (Brazil)
• G.B.C. for Slazenger-branded footwear, including fashion shoes, canvas shoes, sandals and sport shoes (Chile)
• Morel for Slazenger-branded backpacks, duffle bags, messenger bags, totes, travel bags and luggage (Brazil)
• Worldwide Exports Management for Dunlop-branded tennis, golf, squash and badminton equipment (Latin America)

Brought to you by

As agent, Fusion Licensing is seeking partners in food and beverage, personal care and sports and fitness.

“The consumer product program that we are building with the support of Fusion will enable us to better reach the communities we serve and support the causes we believe in,” says Earvin “Magic” Johnson, chairman and chief executive officer of MJE.

Fusion Licensing’s other brands include EMI Music, The Royal Mail, Austin-Healey, MG, Triumph and Daisy Rock, as well as artist estates such as Salvador Dali and Erté.

Brought to you by

The products will debut March 8 to 12 at the New York Home Fashions Market, followed by a rollout at specialty home, mid-tier, mass and online retailers.

“The Arm & Hammer brand has been trusted by consumers for more than 164 years for its safe and effective ability to clean and deodorize,” says Marc Jason, chief executive officer of London Luxury. “With today’s consumer more focused than ever before on hygiene and cleanliness in the home, the timing could not be better for expanding the Arm & Hammer brand footprint into the home textile aisles. We are thrilled to be working with the leading authority in home care and are developing innovative home textile products for this iconic brand.”

Brought to you by

Brought to you by

The business will tout trips to Vietnam, California, Tuscany and others with itineraries based on the journal’s travel content. Travelers will be able to book trips at www.wsjtravel.com. Advance Travel Center, based in Iselin, N.J., will handle operations.
WSJTravel is the newspaper’s third branded business, which includes WSJWine, a mail order wine club, and WSJStore, a merchandise shop.

Brought to you by

“It has been a great privilege and pleasure to work with Jeff Hecktman [chairman and chief executive officer of Hilco Trading] and everyone at Hilco Consumer Capital and Hilco Trading over the last three years,” says Salter. “He and the company are world class. I look forward to continued involvement with Jeff and the HCC team, as well as to my return to the entrepreneurial world.”

Besides being named interim chief executive officer, Kaup will continue to serve as general counsel and executive vice president of Hilco Trading, HCC’s parent company.

“Eric Kaup has been a core member of HCC’s leadership team since its inception,” says Salter and Hecktman in a joint statement. “We have complete confidence in his ability to manage the enterprise, provide leadership and guidance in future investments, and continue to drive growth.”

Hilco’s brand investments include Polaroid, Sharper Image, Bombay Co., Ellen Tracy, Linens ’N Things, Tommy Armour Golf and Halston. The company is also the exclusive licensing advisor for House of Marley.

Brought to you by

Beginning in April, the Norwegian Jewel will offer families an array of Nickelodeon-themed activities such as character breakfasts and meet-and-greets, dance parties and interactive game shows (SlimeTime Live!, Nick Live! Poolside). In the summer, the Norwegian Epic will provide the Nickelodeon experience. Additionally, the agreement sees Norwegian Cruise Line launching select specialty Nick cruises each year, featuring the channel’s TV stars, show premieres and other themed-entertainment.

“At a time when families are seeking special travel experiences, we see an opportunity to build on the success of our previous Nickelodeon cruises to create a unique family cruise vacation experience with Norwegian Cruise Line,” says Howard Smith, executive vice president of Nickelodeon Recreation. “By partnering with Norwegian, we are now able to offer families Nickelodeon entertainment and programming at sea all year long.”

Brought to you by