Disney, Lego strike licensing deal

The Walt Disney Co. and the Lego Group have signed a multi-year licensing deal giving Lego the ability to roll out a new line of products based on Disney properties, including Disney Pixar. The first three product lines will launch in 2010 & are based on "Toy Story," "Cars" & "Prince of Persia." The products will encompass the company's Lego & Duplo lines of toys. "When two brands who share similar values bring their franchises together -- in this case a timeless play pattern with some of the industry's most beloved stories and characters -- & combine their access to families, retail strength & marketing power, amazing things can happen," Jorgen Vig Knudstorp, Lego Group CEO, said. The Lego Group is privately held & based in Billund, Denmark. Disney's based in Burbank. Disney operates the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom & Disney's Hollywood Studios theme parks in Orlando; owns ABC TV network, 10 broadcast stations and more than 60 radio stations; and produces films through Walt Disney Studios.