The newly formed CPLG Pullman has signed a five-year agreement to represent Viacom Nickelodeon Consumer Products in Russia, building on CPLG parent DHX’s purchase of a 49 percent stake in Moscow-based Pullman Licensing. Pullman had previously handled licensing for Nickelodeon.

DHX’s stake in Pullman gives it access to the Russian market for the first time, says CPLG’s Steve Manning. The deal, under which Pullman founder Igor Kuleshov retains ownership of the remaining 51 percent of the venture, is expected to close by month’s end. As part of agreement, the venture will retain Pullman’s 10 employees including General Director Valentina Kursanova, and also handle licensing in Russia for Paramount, ROI Visual and Emoji Co. In addition to Russia, CPLG Pullman will be responsible for licensing in Benelux, Nordics, Central and Eastern Europe, Greece and Turkey.

Separately, CPLG is expanding Yale University’s presence in the UK and Europe. UK licensee Park Agency launched t-shirts and sweatshirts at Primark this month, while Cooking Brands is readying apparel for introduction in The Netherlands. In Greece, Giovas will ship a back to school line (backpacks, notebooks, pens, stationery) in 2019.

CPLG also has signed the first license for a new Archie Comics program that brings the brand into the UK for the first time. UK licensee/retailer Forbidden Planet will introduce a DTR (t-shirts and accessories, giftware) in the spring based on Archie’s comic books, including “Riverdale” and “Josey and the Pussycats”.

Contacts:

CPLG, Steve Manning, EVP, +44 208 563 6400, steve.manners@cplg.com