Some more History
Sylvania
At the beginning of production, in 1985, Sylvanian Families were released in both Japan and North America, albeit with different packaging and minor differences to the characters themselves. In 1987, the success in these markets led to expansion into Western Europe.
In 1993, Tomy, who had been distributing the toys worldwide, lost the rights to the name "Sylvanian Families" in Canada and the USA. Tomy reintroduced the line under the new name Calico Critters, but eventually stopped selling Calico Critters in 1996. By 1998, Sylvanian Families also was discontinued in the UK.
In 1999, Sylvanian Families were reintroduced in the UK by Flair, and around the same time, the Calico Critters line were distributed in the US and Canada by a new company, International Playthings, LLC.
(source: Wikipedia)
In 1993, Tomy, who had been distributing the toys worldwide, lost the rights to the name "Sylvanian Families" in Canada and the USA. Tomy reintroduced the line under the new name Calico Critters, but eventually stopped selling Calico Critters in 1996. By 1998, Sylvanian Families also was discontinued in the UK.
In 1999, Sylvanian Families were reintroduced in the UK by Flair, and around the same time, the Calico Critters line were distributed in the US and Canada by a new company, International Playthings, LLC.
(source: Wikipedia)