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Classic Media snaps up Noddy

International children’s IP group Classic Media has acquired the Noddy brand from UK firm Chorion for an undisclosed amount.

Noddy

The sale marks the latest Chorion property to be go at auction after the company was forced to break up last year under the weight of multi-million dollar debts.

Noddy, which is part of the Enid Blyton estate, is one of the UK’s best-known children’s characters and has a large following in France.

“Noddy is a brand with a wonderful heritage and we are pleased that we have found a good home for it with Classic Media,” said Chrion’s MD Mary Durkan.

Author Blyton created the brand through her 1949 book Noddy Goes to Toyland. It has since clocked up more than 250 television episodes and sold more than 250 million books worldwide.

“For more than 60 years, Noddy has helped bring the magic of toys to life and we’re going to keep passing that along to fans and new generations,” added Classic co-CEO Eric Ellenbogen.

Noddy now joins a stable of children’s IP that includes Casper the Friendly Ghost, Where’s Waldo? (Where’s Wally?), Lassie, The Lone Ranger, Mister Magoo and George of the Jungle.

Chorion has now sold most of its assets.

Former chairman and CEO Lord Waheed Alli bought BBC series Octonauts and the Beatrix Potter literary estate through his new production vehicle Silvergate Media, licensing group Sanrio bought the Mr Men brand and last week Acorn Media Group acquired 64% of the Agatha Christie literary estate, which houses the iconic Hercule Poirot and Mrs Marple characters.

The rest of the Enid Blyton estate, plus Olivia, Gaspard & Lisa and Max & Ruby remain unsold. DC Advisory is aiding Chorion with the sale process.

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