Le Tour de France and Paintbox Press
Le Tour de France Licenses Paintbox Press for Pop-Up Books in North America and the United Kingdom
(New York, NY – February 18, 2009) Amaury Sport Organization (ASO), the official organizer of Le Tour de France has licensed Paintbox Press to create and publish the first pop-up book on Le Tour de France for North American, United Kingdom, and European markets. MODA International Marketing, the licensing agency for Le Tour de France, is responsible for putting the companies together.
“We are excited to be working with Paintbox Press,” noted Michelle Alfandari, president of MODA International Marketing. “The Tour de France’s varied landscapes and vibrant colors will provide exquisite images for a reading experience that will transport children and adults alike to the sidelines of the race.” She further states that, “For MODA, the Tour de France is a dynamic client attracting great interest from potential licensees. The ‘brand’ is so powerful that the actual event, in essence, has become for licensees an annual reaffirmation – and advertisement – of one of the most demanding sports, exciting spectator events as well as an active lifestyle brand”.
The Tour de France event is over 100 years old – once a year it celebrates and represents one of the most grueling endurance sporting events of all time. Participants and enthusiasts come from all over the world making the brand a global icon for cycling. The Tour has essentially transcended being solely a remarkable event to the stand-alone global brand for cycling and active/healthy lifestyles.
Pam Pease, founder of Paintbox Press, plans to release the Pop-Up Tour de France in Summer 2009. “We are thrilled to partner with MODA International and ASO to bring the story of Le Tour de France to a new generation of cyclists and racing fans. The time is right to put a fresh face on this outstanding and exciting event. By presenting the drama of the race in three dimensions, readers of all ages can understand and enjoy the Tour in a very interactive and visual way.”
Frédéric Viargues, Chef de Groupe Commercial et Licences Service Marketing Operationnel says, “I am very pleased with this new association and look forward to a long-term relationship with Paintbox Press. I hope that this outstanding book will encourage people of all ages to participate in cycling.”
About ASO
Amaury Sport Organisation belongs to the French press group, E.P.A (Philippe Amaury Publications), which owns the newspapers and magazine publications l’Equipe, France Football, l’Equipe Magazine, Vélo Magazine, Le Parisien and Aujourd’hui in France. The group has also developed an audio-visual branch, with the creation of l’Equipe TV, and new technologies with the web-sites www.lequipe.fr and www.leparisien.fr, to such an extent that it is today one of the key figures in the French media world.
A.S.O., created in September 1992, is specialised in the organisation of renowned sports events, such as the Tour de France, the Dakar and the Paris Marathon. Over the last few years, the company has expanded, A.S.O. having intensified its activities in the domain of cycling and taken up new disciplines, such as golf and equestrian sports.
Behind the range of internationally renowned and recognised events, Amaury Sport Organisation is focused on a precise goal: the design and management of spectacular top flight competitions respecting the sporting code of values and ethics, with long-term dedication.
About Paintbox Press
Founded in 1998, Paintbox Press is a privately held publishing company headquartered in Chapel Hill, NC. The company creates entertaining, informative, and collectible pop-up books focusing on world-class events. Recent titles include Macy’s on Parade: A Pop-Up Book for Children of All Ages and Derby Day: A Pop-Up Celebration of the Kentucky Derby. Books published by Paintbox Press can be found in fine bookstores and museum shops in the US and Great Britain, and on the company website www.paintboxpress.com.
About MODA International Marketing, Inc.
MODA International Marketing, est. 1988, is an international licensing agency that uses licensing to leverage existing assets such as trademarks, brands and patents to meet its clients’ marketing, business development and revenue goals. MODA offers its broad client base customized strategic planning, implementation and management of turnkey licensing programs.
For over 20 Years, MODA has distinguished itself by identifying and implementing opportunities, generating incremental revenue; strengthening and extending our clients brands and technologies throughout the global marketplace.
For more information about MODA International Marketing, Inc., please visit www.modaintl.com.
The New York Times and Franklin Electronic Publishers
Franklin Electronic Publishers and The New York Times Launch a Handheld Version of the Classic Game: SET®
(Burlington, NJ – February 11, 2009) The New York Times and Franklin Electronic Publishers, Incorporated (NYSE Alternext US:FEP) today announced the creation of a handheld electronic version of the award-winning card game: SET®. SET® is currently being offered on the crossword and game pages of www.nytimes.com and has quickly become one of its most frequently viewed pages. The electronic version of SET® from The New York Times and Franklin includes a color LCD display, four versions of the game (Classic, Timed, Puzzle and Arcade), multiple difficulty levels and a host of other features. It will debut at the Set Enterprises, Inc. booth at Toy Fair in New York opening on February 15, 2009.
The licensing deal was facilitated by MODA International Marketing, the exclusive licensing agency for The New York Times.
“Franklin’s version of SET® takes the classic card game to a new level of brain-twisting fun,” says Toshihide Hokari, senior vice president, chief operating officer of Franklin Electronic Publishers. “Designed for both adults and kids, SET® is an addictive, highly original family game of visual perception and logic that can be played at any time, in any location.”
“SET® has been in the market as a card game for many years and has a very strong cult following. Once The New York Times determined that SET® would make a great addition to their website this handheld version by Franklin was the perfect next step,” says Michelle Alfandari, president of MODA International Marketing. “The game is especially appealing to The Times because it’s both intellectually challenging and fun. Having a presence on New York Times online and in the electronic game category will catapult SET® to a new level of popularity.”
“The category of brain games is really expanding (SET® is the #1 bestselling card game on Amazon.com) and there is no better brand for these products than The New York Times,” says Colette Falco, president of Set Enterprises. “Franklin is known for making proven content digital and portable for easy access. We’re confident that consumers will love the electronic version of SET® by Franklin.”
About The New York Times:
The New York Times Company, a leading media company with 2008 revenues of $2.9‑billion, includes The New York Times, the International Herald Tribune, The Boston Globe, 16 other daily newspapers, WQXR-FM and more than 50 Web sites, including NYTimes.com, Boston.com and About.com. The Company’s core purpose is to enhance society by creating, collecting and distributing high-quality news, information and entertainment.
About Franklin:
Franklin Electronic Publishers, Incorporated (NYSE Alternext US:FEP) is a world leader in electronic handheld information, having sold approximately 41,000,000 electronic books. Current titles available directly or through partners number more than 52,000 in sixteen languages under license from world class publishers, such as Merriam-Webster and HarperCollins, focused in five genres: Learning, Language Learning, Travel, Spiritual, and Leisure. The Company also licenses its underlying technology to an array of partners including Adobe, Sun Microsystems and Ademco (a division of Honeywell). Franklin distributes ROLODEX® Electronics branded organizers worldwide and SEIKO branded reference products in Oceania and the European Community. Franklin’s products are available at 49,000 retail outlets worldwide, through catalogs, and online at http://www.franklin.com.
ROLODEX® is a registered trademark of Berol Corporation, a subsidiary of Newell Rubbermaid Inc. SEIKO is a registered trademark of SEIKO Corporation.
Except for the historical information contained in this news release, the matters addressed are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements, written, oral or otherwise made, represent the Company’s expectation or belief concerning future events. Without limiting the foregoing, these statements are often identified by the words “may,” “might,” “believes,” “thinks,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “expects” or similar expressions. In addition, expressions of our strategies, intentions or plans are also forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect management’s current views with respect to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties, both known and unknown. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements as there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements, many of which are beyond our control. Investors are referred to the full discussion of risks and uncertainties as included in Franklin’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
About Set Enterprises, Inc.
Set Enterprises, Inc. is a family owned and operated business located in Fountain Hills, Arizona and is a leading developer of award winning family and educational games. For more information about any of Set Enterprises’ award winning games, please visit www.setgame.com, call (480) 837-3628 or visit booth #943 at the 2009 New York Toy Fair.
About MODA International Marketing, Inc:
MODA International Marketing, est. 1988, is an international licensing agency that uses licensing to leverage existing assets such as trademarks, brands and patents to meet its clients’ marketing, business development and revenue goals. MODA offers its broad client base customized strategic planning, implementation and management of turnkey licensing programs.
For over 20 Years, MODA has distinguished itself by identifying and implementing opportunities, generating incremental revenue; strengthening and extending our clients brands and technologies throughout the global marketplace.
For more information about MODA International Marketing, Inc., please visit www.modaintl.com.
MODA and VetDogs
MODA Salutes New Client: VetDogs
New York, NY – January 20, 2009) MODA International Marketing has been appointed the exclusive licensing agency representing America’s VetDogs® – The Veteran’s K-9 Corps® and SGT. VETDOGS®.
America’s VetDogs® is the premier provider of guide, service, and therapy dogs for veterans with disabilities and active duty personnel. It began as a project of the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind Inc.® to expand its programs and services for veterans.
Michelle Alfandari, founder and president of MODA International Marketing, says, “This is an organization I just knew we had to represent the minute we met with them. You cannot quantify the value of the work America’s VetDogs® does to ensure that our country’s heroes are given the tools to be self-reliant again. The brand pulls at the heartstrings of pet owners and lovers, and taps into America’s patriotic spirit and the spirit of giving back and supporting those who served our nation. The image of SGT. VETDOGS® is without rival in the marketplace. The camouflaged helmet and the brand ‘SGT. VETDOGS®‘ tells the story in a nanosecond.”
Licensees and retailers will benefit from this strong branding, in addition to innovative and quality products ranging from toys to training devices. The VetDogs® team includes certified instructors, veterinarians, and the physical and occupational therapists who work with disabled veterans. Together, they develop innovative training methods that continue to evolve and deliver groundbreaking service to America’s wounded warriors.
Alfandari continues, “This means that the food, dog beds, leashes, bowls, backpacks, crates, toys, veterinary supplies, etc. used to raise these specially bred puppies and to train them to become guide and service dogs all meet high and demanding standards. Licensed SGT. VETDOGS® branded products will be a natural extension of this approach to quality and innovation.”
Jeff Bressler, executive vice president of America’s VetDogs® says, “We are sure that licensed products will resonate with traditional family pet owners and consumers who enjoy the outdoors with their working and hunting dogs.”
About America’s VetDogs®:
America’s VetDogs trains and provides guide dogs for veterans who are blind or visually impaired, service dogs for veterans and active duty personnel with disabilities other than blindness, and therapy dogs for deployed personnel and the recently returned wounded during their recovery from battlefield injuries. America’s VetDogs honors the sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform.
There is no cost to the veteran for its services, and all its funding comes from individuals, corporations, foundations, businesses, and service, and fraternal clubs.
For more information, please contact America’s VetDogs at 866-VETDOGS (866-838-3647) or visit www.VetDogs.org.
About MODA International Marketing, Inc:
MODA International Marketing, est. 1988, is an international licensing agency that uses licensing to leverage existing assets such as trademarks, brands and patents to meet its clients’ marketing, business development and revenue goals. MODA offers its broad client base customized strategic planning, implementation and management of turnkey licensing programs.
For over 20 Years, MODA has distinguished itself by identifying and implementing opportunities, generating incremental revenue; strengthening and extending our clients brands and technologies throughout the global marketplace.
For more information about MODA International Marketing, Inc., please visit www.modaintl.com.
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MODA Signs Headsweats for Le Tour de France
Licensing show exhibitor MODA International (Booth #5806) recently signed Headsweats for headwear for Le Tour de France, owned by the French Amaury Sport Organization (ASO). A line of Le Tour de France licensed headwear including technical hats, caps, visors made from moisture-wicking materials or cotton twill will launch in spring 2009 through bike shops, sporting good stores, mass merchants and online retailers in the U.S. and Canada. ASO belongs to the French press group Philippe Amaury Publications, which owns l’Equipe, France Football, l’Equipe Magazine, VÈlo Magazine, Le Parisien and Aujourd’hui, as well as l’Equipe TV in France.
