HIT Entertainment has extended Tomy's rights to produce and market Thomas & Friends toys throughout the U.K. and Europe for another three years.

Tomy has held rights to the preschool brand for 12 years. It's current Thomas line includes battery-powered railway sets, wind-ups and pull-back toys, interactive learning toys and R/C.

“We share a long standing and historical relationship with Tomy and we’re delighted to renew the company as the master toy licensee for one of HIT’s oldest and most celebrated properties,” says Katie Rollings, vice president consumer products and international marketing for HIT. “The classic Thomas & Friends brand has an enduring appeal for preschoolers around the world and we look forward to further strengthening our relationship with Tomy both in the U.K. and across Europe.”

Sally Plumridge, European marketing director for Tomy adds, “We are thrilled that we have extended our relationship with HIT for another term. We are extremely proud of our achievements with last year’s sales up 92 percent and being ranked the number one Thomas & Friends manufacturer in the UK market. We are inspired by the renewed opportunity to deliver greater innovation and results with HIT Entertainment and will continue to build on the fantastic performance of this wonderful, classic property throughout Europe.”