Re Contract
08 December 2003 - 6:01PM
UK Regulatory
RNS Number:9666S
Chorion PLC
07 December 2003
8 December 2003
Chorion announces a very strong base for growth in 2004 and 2005, and new
distribution and broadcasting deals for Noddy
Chorion PLC ("Chorion") is today announcing a pan-European distribution deal
with Hasbro, the leading multinational distributor of children's toys and games.
Hasbro will act as a distributor for Noddy products initially in France and
Belgium, where the toys and games markets are around 70% of the size of those
markets in the UK. Hasbro has an option to extend the distribution agreement to
other markets including Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece. Hasbro already
handles well known brands such as Bob the Builder, Star Wars, Cluedo, and
Monopoly.
Chorion is also announcing today that it has signed a broadcasting deal with a
major Italian broadcaster for Chorion's CGI animated series, Make Way for Noddy.
This agreement means that the TV series will be shown in all the territories
covered by the Hasbro deal. A TV series is often instrumental in driving
merchandise sales; for example, Noddy's presence in France was greatly enhanced
this year when terrestrial television network France 5 began broadcasting the
show.
These announcements go further towards fulfilling Chorion's objective of
maximising returns from Noddy in key European markets
Nicholas James, Chief Executive of Chorion, said:
"These deals demonstrate the further expansion of the Noddy brand, and underline
Chorion's strong trading position. They cap a successful year in which we have
secured the Agatha Christie multi-year output deal with ITV, further increased
our publishing minimum guarantees, and recorded good performances in other areas
of our business."
Waheed Alli, Chairman of Chorion, said:
"We now have a strong base for very significant growth in 2004 and 2005."
About Chorion
Chorion PLC is an owner and developer of intellectual property, with the rights
to key properties such as Noddy, The Famous Five, Miss Marple, Poirot and
Maigret. Created in 1949, Enid Blyton's Noddy is one of the best-loved
children's characters of all time. The Noddy books have been translated into 40
languages with total sales to date in excess of 200 million. Two million Noddy
books are sold each year - 36 years after his creator's death.
Enquiries please call:
Tim Allan
Portland, for Chorion
020 7404 5344
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
CNTNKOKBBBDBKBK