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CBS Adds Highly Rated TV Series to Video Game Roster

CBS Consumer Products (CBSCP) announced production of two new video games based off CBS’s NCIS and the CW’s America’s Next Top Model television series. Global production for the video games is headed by Ubisoft and dtp young entertainment, respectively.

In America’s Next Top Model video game, players assume “control of one of 10 aspiring models” as she makes her way through challenges, photo shoots, catwalks, and more. The video game follows the format of the television series, with participants being voted off, and is available now on the Nintendo DS and Nintendo Wii consoles. A Canadian and Australian version have been announced, as well.

NCIS, developed by Ubisoft for worldwide release on all major consoles and internet distribution, hits shelves next year.

Techno Source Granted Exclusive Rights for Tetris Tabletop Games

Techno Source has been awarded exclusive licensing rights worldwide to develop Tetris tabletop games, both electronic and non-electronic. Techno Source’s tabletop games, based on the iconic Tetris video game, will be introduced at retail beginning in 2011.

Blue Planet Software, Inc., the company that manages exclusive licensing rights to the Tetris brand, has also announced that the brand will be expanding into merchandise licensing. The company hopes to ‘broaden its demographic reach and further solidify brand awareness.”

Mattel Introduces Monster High Property, Signs Licensees for Franchise

Mattel has added a new property to its portfolio of brands, Monster High. The property follows hip teenagers, who are also the descendants of the world’s most famous monsters, as they brave the ups and downs of high school.

The characters include Frankie Stein, the daughter of Frankenstein; Draculaura, the daughter of Count Dracula; Clawdeen Wolf, the daughter of The Werewolf; Lagoona Blue, the daughter of The Sea Monster; Cleo de Nile, the daughter of The Mummy; and Deuce Gorgon, the son of Medusa.

Websiodes have already premiered at www.monsterhigh.com, the property’s website. Mattel has signed an array of licensees to support the brand, including those in the categories of party/costumes, apparel, accessories, footwear, publishing, and toys.

HIT Entertainment and Dizzy Feet Partner for Youth Dance Program

HIT Entertainment is collaborating with the Dizzy Feet Foundation (DFF) to expand its youth dance program nationally. The Angelina Ballerina Stars of Tomorrow campaign successfully ended its pilot program in the Bronx earlier this year, and the organizations plan to expand into at least three other cities’ Boys & Girls Clubs outside of New York this fall.

The partnership with DFF includes a dance scholarship–four to be awarded locally and one nationally–as well as access to DFF choreographers and special appearances by celebrity members of the Foundation.

Board members for DFF include Nigel Lythgoe, producer of So You Think You Can Dance and American Idol, and Katie Holmes, who will help guide the program as it develops. These members, as well as others on the DFF steering committee, will make public service announcements promoting the program, to be aired during the Angelina Ballerina The Next Steps television show on PBS KIDS.

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Patch Set to Reintroduce Three Retro Products

Patch Products is bringing back retro toy and board game products from its collection under its new Treasured Toys line. Yakity-yak Talking Teeth ($4.99) and Shark Attack ($19.99) were first introduced in 1949 and 1988, respectively, and are among the first products making a comeback. Patch is also releasing Bed Bugs ($14.99), which first debuted 1985.

Patch suggests the toys will not only entice children with their low-tech appeal, but also encourage parents to play along with the company’s nostalgic products.

For more information on Patch Products’ Treasured Toys line, visit www.patchproducts.com.

Toy Industry Foundation plans to “Set Sail for Summer”

The Toy Industry Association‘s (TIA) philanthropic offshoot, the Toy Industry Foundation (TIF), invites vendors to “Set Sail for Summer” during a partnered event with the Ronald McDonald House in Manhattan.

TIF plans to treat kids to “nautical crafts, tropical refreshments, and a toy distribution” during the event June 21 at 6 P.M. Nationally, TIF distributes toys to other Houses under its Play Heals program.

To RSVP for the event, contact TIF’s manager, Amanda McDorman, at amcdorman@toyindustryfoundation.org or (646) 520-4878.

Transom Capital Group Acquires Uncle Milton

Los Angeles-based private equity firm Transom Capital Group has acquired Uncle Milton Industries, Inc. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

“Toys have been a large part of my life, so it was important to me, personally, that the company find a partner who demonstrated a real commitment to the Uncle Milton legacy,” said Steve Levine, one of the owners of the company, in a press release. “Transom Capital was simply the right fit. They exhibited the same passion for the industry and quickly understood the key issues and dynamics that underlie the company’s success.”

Ken Firtel, managing director of Transom Capital, believes Uncle Milton is “a cornerstone acquisition” for its portfolio. “The founders, the Levine family, have safeguarded the company’s sterling reputation for over half a century by introducing fun and educational toys consistent with the brand’s focus. We believe that Transom Capital can add a level of operational sophistication that will improve its performance both from a top and bottom line perspective,” Firtel said.

Sherwood Partners served as an advisor to Uncle Milton during the transaction.

Warner Bros. Named Exclusive Distributor for Upcoming LEGO Universe

Later this year, the LEGO Group will launch LEGO Universe, the first MMOG (massively multiplayer online game) based on the LEGO play experience. Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment (WBIE) has signed on as the exclusive retail distributor of LEGO Universe outside of LEGO channels.

Developed by the LEGO Group and NetDevil, LEGO Universe enables players ages 8 and up to build, create, interact with friends, battle, and explore LEGO worlds. The MMOG is currently in a closed beta, and will release in the second half of the year.

To learn more about LEGO Universe, visit www.LEGOuniverse.com.

Walmart CEO Outlines Strategies for “Next Generation Walmart”

At Walmart’s annual shareholders meeting, president and CEO Mike Duke outlined four strategies for building the “Next Generation Walmart.” He said Walmart is poised to deliver on Sam Walton’s vision of giving “the world an opportunity to see what it’s like to save and have a better life.”

The strategies are: (1) become a truly global company, (2) understand the business challenges that retailers will face and solve them, (3) play an even bigger leadership role on social issues that matter to its customers, and (4) keep its culture strong everywhere.

In order to be a more global company, Duke discussed the need to serve customers as a local store, share best practices, and leverage Walmart’s global supply chain. He stated that over the next five years Walmart will create 500,000 jobs around the world. Duke also discussed the importance on price transparency and low pricing, and being a company that stays strong globally.

The company also announced that its board of directors approved a new repurchase program that authorizes the company to repurchase $15 billion of its shares. This program replaces the previous $15 billion program, which was announced June 5, 2009, and had approximately $4.7 billion of remaining authorization. Under the program, repurchased shares are constructively retired and returned to unissued status.

Photo Credit: Huffington Post

McDonald’s Announces Recall on Shrek Themed Drinking Glasses

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and McDonald’s have announced a voluntary recall of the Shrek Forever After 3D Collectible Drinking Glasses, due to a potential cadmium risk.

The recall affects about 12 million units. The designs on the glasses contain cadmium, which produces a risk of adverse health effects after long term exposure. No injuries have been reported. The glasses were sold exclusively at McDonald’s from May 2010 to June 2010 for approximately $2. McDonald’s asks consumers to immediately stop using the glasses, and information on how to obtain a full refund can be found at www.McDonalds.com.