Firm signs as master toy licensee and Winning Moves joins as games partner.

In its role as master toy licensee, Golden Bear will develop an extensive range of plush and plastic toy and gift products across the London 2012, Team GB and ParalympicsGB brands.

The first range of products is planned for launch in autumn next year in time for Christmas 2010. Further ranges will be developed and rolled out in the lead up to the Games in 2012.

Winning Moves has also signed up to create London 2012 branded Top Trumps card games, the new Top Trumps Tournament boxed game version, playing cards, trivia card and board games.

Starting with an Olympic Legends set of playing cards in spring 2010, Winning Moves plans to develop a series of playing cards and Top Trumps decks through to and following the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012.

Trivia games are also in development along with a newly created London 2012 board game being developed for autumn 2011. These ranges of card and board games will feature a variety of designs across all the London 2012 IP.

LOCOG commercial director Chris Townsend commented: “The London 2012 licensing programme is very much on track and continues gathering pace. These two appointments are a reflection of the tremendous level of interest we are experiencing in the licensing opportunities available.

"I look forward to seeing an exciting range of toys and games in store during 2010 with a strong collection in time for next Christmas”

Golden Bear has signed a deal which will see them working on the Peppa Pig brand in 2008.

Aimed at pre-school children, the new Peppa Pig range will include a Draw and Drive, which will launch in autumn/winter. This will join the others licenses in the increasingly popular Draw and Drive range created by Golden Bear and will appeal to fans of the show who can follow Peppa’s adventures.

A Peppa Pig Step and Learn playmat will also be introduced. The new product features a fun playmat that teaches children words, colours and numbers in a fun and engaging way.

Golden Bear will be launching the Create and Play concept for 2008. It encompasses a range of card and foam bath time construction toys, designed to inspire young children’s creativity. Initially, a Peppa Pig Create and Play Card Playset and a Create and Play Bath Time range will be launched.

John Hales, chairman of Golden Bear commented: “Peppa Pig is immensely popular with young children and we are over the moon to be working on such a successful license. We know that with our product development expertise, we can create a Peppa Pig range that will delight pre-schoolers who are fans of the programme.”

Golden Bear has signed up with construction brand JCB to produce a new pre-school range.

This partnership will see Golden Bear launch the My First JCB range aimed at children aged twelve months and over.

The range will be launched for autumn/winter 2008 and will centre around bold and bright chunky vehicles each with their own unique character.  The different personalities have friendly faces and many memorable phrases.

John Hales, Chairman of Golden Bear commented: "We are delighted to be working with one of the world’s most successful companies. This is an excellent agreement which gives Golden Bear global rights and provides excellent development potential”

Golden Bear is to enter the wooden toy market.

The firm, which has previously made its name in plush and plastics, will enter into the wooden market and has secured the Charlie & Lola license for their first range.

Going forward, the company will look to secure new and exciting licenses that complement wooden toys.

John Hales, Golden Bear’s Chairman commented: ”Having enjoyed continued success for all our plush and plastic ranges, entering into the ever popular wooden toy market seemed like the logical next step for Golden Bear. Our highly talented design team are using their award winning expertise to create a unique Charlie & Lola wooden toy range for 2008 – we know that licensors and retailers alike will be delighted with our latest progression within the ever-dynamic toy sector.”

http://www.goldenbeartoys.com