Brand Licensing Europe organiser Advanstar is reporting a 40 per cent increase in the number of exhibitors so far signed up, with 4Kids Entertainment, Disney Consumer Products, Chapman Entertainment, Entertainment Rights and Sony Pictures Entertainment among the 32 companies to confirm attendance since February 1st.

Visitor figures for this year's Brand Licensing show are up five per cent on last year - with the retail sector accounting for the biggest leap in attendees.

Advanstar's popular Brand Licensing show will be rebranded as Brand Licensing Europe from tomorrow.

Almost 100 companies, including many first time exhibitors, have already signed up for this year's Brand Licensing Europe show - an increase of 43 per cent on this time last year according to organisers Advanstar.

Brand Licensing Europe opens today, with organiser Advanstar claiming that it is going to be the biggest ever.

7,244 retailers, licensees and sales promotion professionals from 69 countries attended the 2013 show, making it the biggest and most successful in its 15 year history.

Advanstar sets its targets high for this year's show as exhibitor numbers hit 100 mark already.

Batman and more sets up boys market surge for Mattel this year with the Number one spot a clear target. Mattel is targeting its biggest ever year in the boys sector, expecting to build on...