Mattel, WWE reach multi-year licensing pact

NEW YORK, Feb 12 (Reuters) - Mattel Inc (MAT.N), the maker of Barbie dolls and the T.M.X. Elmo, said on Wednesday that it reached a five-year deal to be World Wrestling Entertainment's (WWE.N) master toy licensee.

The pact will go into effect in January 2010, the companies said, adding that the first line of products will be available that year.

Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Toy maker Jakks Pacific Inc's (JAKK.O) licensing pact with WWE expires in 2009. A U.S. federal court in December dismissed a lawsuit filed against Jakks by WWE, which accused the toy maker of bribery to win a lucrative licensing deal based on wrestling superstars. (Reporting by Justin Grant; Editing by Steve Orlofsky)