DreamWorks Animation SKG Inc. said Thursday it has bought the Troll Doll brand from Denmark’s Dam family and plans to expand the franchise.

The Glendale company is now the exclusive licensor of merchandise for the dolls, except in Scandinavia, where Dam Things of Denmark retains the rights. Danish fisherman and woodcutter Thomas Dam created the first Troll Doll in 1959.

Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. DreamWorks has hired Shawn Dennis to lead troll brand development. Before joining DreamWorks, Dennis was senior vice president of marketing, product development and publishing for American Girl.

“We have big plans for this franchise and Shawn Dennis is uniquely suited to lead this charge,” Ann Daly, DreamWorks chief operating officer, said in a statement.