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CKX Inc., which owns rights to Elvis Presley's name, likeness and music publishing, has teamed up with the famed troupe of of acrobats and contortionists to produce Presley-themed shows around the world, the company said on Thursday.

Dubbed the ''Elvis Presley Projects,'' the joint venture will incorporate Cirque du Soleil touring shows and permanent Cirque productions at fixed venues, all incorporating the name, image, likeness and music of Presley.

Cirque will also produce an interactive multimedia presentation of music, audiovisual works and memorabilia featuring the life and times of Elvis.

The shows are all slated to debut in 2008.

The new Presley production will be added to the repertoire of 13 shows that Montreal-based Cirque du Soleil is now presenting around the world. Its latest extravaganza, the first incorporating music not composed for Cirque, opens next month in Las Vegas featuring the music of the Beatles.

CKX bought a controlling interest in Elvis Presley Enterprises from the rock legend's daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, in December 2004 in a deal valued at $ 100 million.

The company struck a similar deal for the rights to boxing great Muhammad Ali's image for about $ 50 million in cash last month.