Amsterdam, the Netherlands, 7 October 2010
Blue Ocean Entertainment has become the majority shareholder of Upper Deck International BV (UDI) with immediate effect.
Nico Blauw, CEO Upper Deck International and owner of Blue Ocean Entertainment says: “Closing a very challenging period, today marks the beginning of a new chapter in the history of Upper Deck International. These are exciting times for the company and myself and we are looking forward to this new beginning.”
UDI will continue to improve its marketing and distribution reach for its partners while developing and launching its own line of products and brands for export purposes. In 2011 UDI will launch its first boy action toy line and will be presenting this line in Hong Kong in October.”
Furthermore, UDI is reorganising to better position the company to deliver on its renewed growth strategy.
Caspar Klinkhamer, formerly Category Director Toys, has been promoted to the position of Commercial Director and will be adding all sales responsibilities previously held by Hedley Barnes to his remit. Klinkhamer has been with UDI for over 2 years, spearheading the company’s entry in the Toy market and previously worked as Managing Director at Toys ‘R’ Us and Director of Toys & Multimedia at Blokker B.V.
Joeri Hoste, formerly Category Director Collectibles and Trading Card Games will now also be assuming Klinkhamer’s former Toy Category responsibilities in the position of Brand Director. Hoste has been with UDI for over 6 years, managing various of the company’s category-defining Trading Card Games.
Franklin van Dijk, formerly Buyer Upper Deck Nordic/Trendus Europe AB, is taking up the position of Commercial Manager Benelux and replacing Jos Doosjen. Van Dijk previously worked as a Buyer for the Blokker Group and his appointment is set to strengthen UDI’s position as one of the Top 5 Toy Companies for the territory.
Liang Fang Liu joins UDI as Finance Manager from Big Bocca B.V. and will be heading up the Finance team, reinforcing financial planning for the company moving forward.
About Upper Deck International
Starting out in 1999, Upper Deck International quickly became the leader in Trading Card Games based on popular global entertainment licenses. Using the expertise gained in Trading Card Games, UDI has now expanded to become an important player in the toys, collectibles and entertainment industry. With headquarters based in the Netherlands and offices across the globe, UDI holds strategic positions in key entertainment markets. Having secured exclusive pan-European toy rights with companies such as Moose (Spongi) and Fundex/Ohio Art (Etch A Sketch) as well as regional distribution for brands Bakugan and Tech Deck (Spin Master), Real Construction (Jakks Pacific), Zhu Zhu Pets (Cepia), Mighty Beanz, Beados and Magic Fabric (Moose). UDI is also investing heavily in IP development and will be launch its first boy action toy line in 2011. For additional information please visit: upperdeck-international.com.