Topps in Deals to Sell ‘Pokemon’ Cards

Topps Co., best known for its sports trading cards, said Wednesday that it has reached a tentative deal to market trading cards inspired by the video game “Pokemon” in the United States and Canada and lollipops in North and South America. Nintendo’s hand-held Pokemon game has spawned a brood of collectible toys and a cartoon series. Topps said initial shipments of trading cards centering on the 150 fantasy Pokemon characters are expected to be made this summer. New York-based Topps noted that there can be no assurance that a final license agreement will be executed or whether it will generate substantial revenue.