In a bid to bolster its licensing operations in Europe, the international arm of kids TV net BKN has purchased London-based licensing agency Design Rights International Group (DRI). With the acquisition, BKN will form a new company called BKN Consumer Products, which will be headquartered in London and will oversee licensing for all of the company’s properties. The acquisition of DRI immediately increases BKN’s presence in kids licensing. Formed in 1988, DRI currently manages the U.K. licensing programs for kids properties Angela Anaconda and Miffy, as well as worldwide programs for Watership Down and Forever Friends. Collectively, last year, the licensed products the company handles generated US$150 million at retail. With the addition of DRI, BKN will boost the staff count in its London office from two to 22 people. Additionally, DRI’s New York office, which helms the company’s U.S. brand licensing programs for Brit retailer Harrods and auto maker Land Rover, will also fall under the purview of BKN Consumer Products. DRI founding partner Anthony Temple has agreed to stay on as the managing director of BKN Consumer Products. Terms of BKN’s acquisition of DRI, however, have not been released.