Fisher-Price signs licensing deal for HIT's Thomas

Reuters, January 5, 2009 — Mattel Inc's (MAT.N: Quote, Profile, Research) Fisher-Price brand signed a multi-year deal as the global toy licensee for HIT Entertainment's Thomas & Friends train product line, in a move to boost sales globally, the companies said on Monday.

Financial terms of the deal, which covers multiple territories around the world, were not disclosed. The first products will be available in 2010, when the Thomas line celebrates its 65th anniversary, and offerings will expand as existing licensees' rights expire, the companies said.