Banijay Kids & Family is the dedicated children’s entertainment arm of Banijay Entertainment, a leading global content company. Housing some of the most iconic kids’ brands worldwide, its licensing division amplifies international commercial potential across a broad portfolio. Collaborating closely with IP owners and top-tier partners, the team spearheads global licensing initiatives spanning multiple categories. In advance of Brand Licensing Europe (BLE) 2025, we sat down with Roubina Tchoboian, Head of Global Licensing at Banijay Kids & Family, to learn about the company’s upcoming plans and the new opportunities on the horizon.
Banijay has been a long-standing participant at BLE. Why does this show remain so important for you?
BLE is an essential fixture in the licensing calendar. It’s a fantastic opportunity to connect with the international licensing community, bringing together key players from across the globe. BLE is always a great place to further existing conversations, reignite relationships, and kick-off new deals. The energy of the event, combined with its focus on innovation and collaboration, makes it a powerful platform for driving our licensing business forward and staying at the forefront of industry trends.
What can retailers and manufacturers expect to find at your stand this year?
We’re proud to represent some of the most exciting and in-demand kids’ brands in the market today, and we love to show visitors what makes them stand out. We warmly welcome retailers and manufacturers to our stand to dive into our global IP portfolio and explore the creative and commercial potential of our brands. We’re keen to uncover new ways to bring our properties to life through products, experiences, and partnerships that tap into the huge demand from audiences around the world.
Which brands/properties will you be highlighting at this year’s event?
Standout brands we are focusing on at this year’s BLE includeTotally Spies!, Mr Beanand Once Upon a Time….
Beloved animated spy-fi Totally Spies! continues its triumphant return, following the successful seventh season launch after an 11-year hiatus. Next year marks its 25th anniversary and we are in the midst of securing a vibrant mix of partnerships and products designed to connect with its broad fanbase, of nostalgic young adults and the new generation of fans discovering the franchise for the first time.
Mr Bean, the legendary British comedy icon, is celebrating an incredible 35 years on-air this year. This milestone is strengthened by the launch of a brand-new season of the animated series, which continues to delight audiences of all ages. With a staggering digital following of nearly a quarter of a billion fans across social media, Mr Bean remains one of the most recognisable entertainment brands in the world.
The enduring Once Upon a Time… edutainment saga, first launched in 1978, remains a staple fixture on screens around the world. With seven seasons and 182 episodes broadcast in over 100 countries, the franchise continues to captivate audiences with its rich storytelling and respected educational value. Its legacy spans generations, making it one of the most successful, trusted, and recognisable edutainment properties in television history.
Are you launching new brands, products, and announcing any news at BLE?
As we head into BLE we will be unveiling a raft of new deals across several of our flagship brands. Mr Bean is expanding its footprint into fresh categories across Europe and Asia, building on its global popularity and digital reach. We are extending the Once Upon a Time… licensing programme with multi-category deals that reflect its enduring appeal. And Totally Spies! continues to build momentum with the launch of several new cross-generational products.
What do you hope to achieve by exhibiting at BLE?
We’re actively seeking partners who share our ambition to elevate our licensing programmes. We want to evolve with our fans and I’m keen to explore fresh category opportunities and breakthrough ideas that will strengthen audience connection and drive long-term brand relevance.
What are the biggest challenges and opportunities facing licensing in 2025/2026?
The global licensing industry is facing pressure to balance affordability with quality and innovation, especially as global economic factors like tariffs and inflation impact production and pricing. However, there are still real growth opportunities for brands, in areas like experiential, where consumers are eager to engage with their favourite brands in real-world settings. Co-branded collaborations are also gaining momentum, especially those that bring together unexpected partners to create fresh, culturally relevant products.
Banijay Kids & Family will be at Stand C200.
