Chorion plc has named Robert Traub as vice president of Licensing, Americas. The post went into effect Aug. 4. He replaces Pamela Ferris-Mueller. In his new role, Traub is in charge of all aspects of licensing and merchandising campaigns for Chorion's properties in the U.S., Canada and Latin America, including Mr. Menand Little Miss, The World of Eric Carle, Olivia, Paddington and Trucktown. Previously, he was senior vice president, global retail sales and marketing development for Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products.

Entertainment Rights Plc has been approached by a host of private equity funds for a possible takeover, with Saban Capital and Chorion among those who have made an approach. In the mean time, some shareholders are understood to have approached potential bidders and encouraged them to make an offer for the company. The talks with possible buyers are not currently ongoing, but could start up again due to a sharp fall in Entertainment Rights' share price in recent months.

Chorion plc announced at New York's Licensing International Expo an agreement granting Fisher-Price the master toy license for 'The Mr. Men Show', the brand new TV series launching in 2008 and based on the best-selling Mr. Men and Little Miss books by Roger Hargreaves. The agreement initially covers UK, US and French territories. Fisher-Price will have rights to expand its impressive portfolio of character brands to manufacture a range of preschool products based on 'The Mr. Men Show', including feature plush, playsets, figures, musical toys, and vehicles. The collection of toys is expected to hit shelves in the UK in the Fall of 2008, with other territories to follow from 2009.