In a move that brings together two of the leading licensing companies in Europe, TLC has joined forces with MR Merchandising & Retail based in Munich to form TLC Germany as of January 2008. This takes the global geographical locations for TLC offices to 5; London, New York, Paris, Tokyo and Munich.

MR Merchandising and Retail was founded in 1997 by Marlies Rasl and is widely recognised as the leading licensing agent in Germany with 3 LIMA “Agency of the Year awards” over the last 5 years. MR is the Exclusive agent for leading entertainment clients including New Line Cinema, Lucas film, Sony Pictures and MGA.

TLC is the world’s leading Licensing and Brand Extension agency with 9 LIMA awards including “Brand of the Year” and “Agency of the Year”. TLC was founded in 1996 by Angela Farrugia and Melvin Thomas with a commitment to build the best Licensing and Brand extension company in the world, representing the best Brands and properties globally.

TLC Germany will continue to offer strong representation for its entertainment clients, and will launch a Brand division to extend TLC’s representation of its key brand clients by March 2008. Recruitment is currently underway for this role.

Marlies Rasl said: "we are excited to be joining forces with TLC as this has many benefits for our clients and licensees. Our expertise and experience in Germany makes us a strong partner for TLC." Marlies Rasl will be Managing Director of the newly formed TLC Germany.

Melvin Thomas – Group Managing Director added: "Germany has been on our horizon for a number of years, joining forces with MR Merchandising and Retail is a natural step and offers the very best opportunity for all parties. We look forward to being able to expand our geographical capabilities for our licensors and to adding additional recourses to TLCG."