News
Chorion swoops for Copyrights
Samantha Loveday Nov 8 2007, 12:06pm
Expansion into international territories for Copyrights' portfolio becomes key following major acquisition.
Chorion has acquired The Copyrights Group for an undisclosed sum.
Through this acquisition, Chorion and Copyrights will together represent one of the most comprehensive portfolios of classic licensing and merchandising brands in the world.
Copyrights clients’ brands range from British children’s classics such as Beatrix Potter, Paddington Bear, Raymond Briggs’ The Snowman, Spot, and Horrible Histories to lifestyle brands such as Marie Claire, Rough Guides and The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady.
The acquisition of Copyrights provides a significant expansion to Chorion’s already-robust brand portfolio, which includes properties such as Noddy, Mr. Men and the works of Agatha Christie and comes as Chorion prepares the major international launch of two new television series featuring Mr. Men and Enid Blyton’s Famous Five.
A major focus for Chorion will be the expansion of the Copyrights’ brands in key international territories, including the world’s two biggest markets, North America and Japan.
Chorion MD Jane Turner said: “We are thrilled to be adding the licensing and merchandising of such globally-recognised British institutions as Paddington Bear and Beatrix Potter to our portfolio of world-renowned brands.
"Children around the world continue to delight in these fantastic characters. Global manufacturers, broadcasters and publishers also instantly recognise their value."
Copyrights Group co-founder and CEO Nicholas Durbridge added: "We are delighted that Beatrix Potter, Paddington Bear, Flower Fairies and the other properties forming part of the Copyrights Group brand portfolio can now stand along side Chorion’s burgeoning family of classics. Chorion has both the integrity and experience needed to provide these iconic brands with continued success and development around the world.”
Sally Floyer, MD of Frederick Warne, owner and publisher of Peter Rabbit ™, and part of Penguin Books, said: “Copyrights has been Warne’s licensing agent for 23 years and we are looking forward to continuing to work closely with Nicholas and his team under their new ownership and to exploring the opportunities for growth which will come with their being part of a bigger entity with Chorion’s resources, reach and expertise.”
