Beanstalk Grows Talking Friends

Beanstalk, a global brand licensing agency, plans to expand the licensing program for its “Talking Friends” collection of mobile apps. “Talking Friends” characters such as Talking Tom Cat and Talking Ben the Dog will grow across multiple categories, including apparel, accessories, footwear, sleepwear, home décor, collectibles and plush and will debut in 2012. Smith & Brooks, Belltex, Dragon-I, Sound N Light, Zagwear, C-Life and Berkshire Fashions are among the licensees who have already signed up for the products.

“We’ve been overwhelmed with interest from potential licensees and retailers this year,” said Michael Stone, CEO of Beanstalk, in a press release. “Global expansion of consumer products such as this is evidence that there is an insatiable appetite for more interaction with these characters.”