Konami Cross Media NY, Inc. Announces New Licensing Agreements at Brand Licensing Europe (BLE) ’24

Sub Agents Named for the Yu-Gi-Oh! brand in Italy, South Africa, Greece, the Balkans and Eastern Europe

LONDON September 24, 2024 – At the opening of this year’s BLE, Europe’s leading trade show dedicated to licensing and brand extension, Konami Cross Media NY, Inc. announced today the signing of a new global licensing agreement for Yu-Gi-Oh! bedding and bath products with the renowned textile company, Jay Franco & Sons Inc.

Additionally, the Company announces the appointment of sub agents for the Yu-Gi-Oh! brand in: Italy, South Africa, Greece, the Balkans and Eastern Europe

The announcements were made today by Jennifer Coleman, Vice President of Licensing and Marketing, Konami Cross Media NY.

The new partnership with Jay Franco & Sons, Inc. will allow the company to develop and sell a collection of home goods including reversible comforters, sheets, and throws as well as bath and hand towels, shower curtains, bath accessories and decorative pillows globally. The products will be available on-line and in stores in time for the holiday season.

“We are thrilled to have Jay Franco & Sons on board to deliver a new line of Yu-Gi-Oh! bedding and bath,” said Coleman. “Our fans will be able to sleep more soundly surrounded by the anime characters they love and who have been a comforting part of their lives”.

In a move to expand its worldwide presence for the Yu-Gi-Oh! brand, Konami Cross Media NY have named new sub agents in Europe and in South Africa. In Italy, an agreement has been signed with Starbright Licensing SRL led by Giada Paterlini and Isabella Barone. In discussing the new deal, Giada Paterlini stated “We are happy to be working with the team at KCMNY for Yu-Gi-Oh!, further strengthening our agency’s anime portfolio. Yu-Gi-Oh! is one of the most beloved evergreen anime of all time and we look forward to an inspiring collaboration for Italian fans.”

Additionally, Licensi, a new licensing agency, will cover several countries including: Greece, Serbia, Croatia, Albania, Romania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Kosovo, North Macedonia and European Turkey. The new agency is headed by Andreas Tsochantaris and Georgios Zervos. Looking beyond Europe, the company has also signed on veteran licensing agency, Character Licensing and Marketing (CLM) to represent the Yu-Gi-Oh! brand in South Africa led by Graham Stephen.

“We look forward to our new partnerships with Starbright, Licensi and CLM as we continue to increase awareness of the Yu-Gi-Oh! brand and identify new fan engagement opportunities,” Coleman added.

At this year’s edition of BLE, Konami Cross Media NY will be exhibiting at Stand #D158 and taking meetings to further identify new opportunities that will continue to energize the fan base for all the IPs under their management. BLE will take place at ExCeL in London (September 24-27).

About Jay Franco & Sons Inc.
Jay Franco is an industry leading home textiles manufacturer, trusted by well-known global brands around the world. Creating products that bring customers’ homes, dreams, and journeys to life since 1942. With global offices across the US, UK, and China servicing top global, national, and regional retailers, they are committed to setting the industry standards for quality and design. From core bedding to outdoor items and room décor, Jay Franco’s diverse and dedicated team offers something for every fan at every price point and every age.

About Yu-Gi-Oh!
Yu-Gi-Oh! is a true global phenomenon and perennial fan favorite. Ready to celebrate 25 years of the Yu-Gi-Oh! card game and amassing a fervent following, the brand continues to flourish with each new series and expansion. To date, fans have engaged by reading the Manga, watching more than 1,000 Yu-Gi-Oh! Anime episodes across eight series and downloading Yu-Gi-Oh! DUEL LINKS or Yu-Gi-Oh! MASTER DUEL. Fans have also supported the brand at the box-office, retail and they have played with and purchased over 25 billion units of the Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME! The future is bright for this Anime franchise with a robust slate of new content, games and merchandise planned for release that will continue to engage and entertain audiences globally.