Suckers, the new BRB International series based on very original peculiar toys that live inside cars, is initiating the expansion of its brand on an international level. The Spanish company has just appointed the French company VIP its agent for the Suckers licensing program in France, and VIP will also manage the series Angus & Cheryl. The agreement is the first step in the internationalization process of the Suckers brand, which was kicked off to coincide with the premier of the series on Disney XD in US last February 27th – this airing will be followed by all Disney XD channels in European countries, Middle East, Africa, Australia, Japan and India. The series has also been acquired by Cartoon Network in Latin America and 2x2 in Russia.

In France, the broadcasting of Suckers will be especially strong as Disney XD will soon begin to air the series and then France 3 in the last trimester of 2010.

Aimed mainly target group between 6 and 12 years old and also a global family audience, Suckers is a long-range brand. In fact, it was inspired by a powerful animated series that won the Kids’ Jury Award at MIPJUNIOR 2009 that, over its 104 two-minute episodes proved to be a unique kind of X-ray of life itself, as seen through car windows. What happens to those toys that we all have inside our cars when no one’s around? The answer is in Suckers: some very original Art Toys, made of plastic, springs, felt… or even recyclable material – that identify with each car owner’s vehicle and that, through entertaining plot lines without dialogue, manage to reflect day by day life in any big city in the world.

For Michel Monier, Head of International Licensing at BRB International, the Suckers brand goes way beyond the small screen: “We’ve developed around this series a complete licensing plan with a great roll-out of ideas in different product categories to expand on a world level – from plush, collectibles, car accessories, mobile phones, as well as traditional categories such as apparel, back-to-school, stationery, etc. And the property will be managed by local agents in different countries, which is the case with VIP in France. We are very happy to be represented by a company like VIP with such licensing experience and with such original and diverse portfolio.”

Meanwhile, Aline Gondoin, Licensing Manager at VIP, said: “We are very pleased to work with BRB, representing Angus & Cheryl and Suckers brands for France. BRB is a dynamic and reactive production company that develops unique and innovative international brands in which humor, surprise and comedy are main ingredients.”

BRB International, owner of the worldwide merchandising rights for Suckers, will present the brand at the sector’s main international events this year. Such will be the case at the upcoming Kazachok Forum in Paris, MIPTV (Booth R.35.18), Las Vegas Licensing Show (Booth 4807).