Licensing Show may have lacked a big buzz-inducing property this year, but that doesn’t mean Javits wasn’t hopping with deals. In fact, a number of high-profile agency signings announced at and around the event are worth noting.

As BBC Worldwide expands its kids business in the U.S., the division has given the nod to New York’s The Wildflower Group to represent Charlie and Lola. Produced by London’s Tiger Aspect, the show is currently airing on Playhouse Disney, and the licensing plan taps into its unique 2-D style and color palette. Wildflower principal Michael Carlisle says apparel for three- to seven-year-old girls will drive the program, supported by home décor, textiles, accessories and stationery that should hit U.S. retail in fall ’06. And with Little Robots getting ready to debut State-side in August as part of Cartoon Network’s new Tickle U preschool block, BBC Worldwide has chosen New York’s The Joester Loria Group to head up that U.S. merch push.

DIC Entertainment is getting into third-party representation as the worldwide licensing agent for McDonald’s. Under the agreement, Nancy Fowler, DIC’s president of worldwide consumer products, will work towards growing the fast-food company’s McKids line and corporate brand, as well as launching a new range of vintage apparel later this year.

Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products has taken on global licensing rights to Nick Jr./Nelvana co-production The Backyardigans. Nelvana, which held merch rights to the property outside the U.S. until this past June, will continue to oversee licensing deals in Canada and global home video rights.

And finally, New York’s Silver Lining Productions has been named the worldwide agent for Manhattan Toy’s Groovy Girls doll line. Along with new merch plans that include an increased presence for the Girls in the electronics category, Silver Lining is working on adapting the property for entertainment and interactive platforms.