Classic Oz IP up for sale

The rights to Australian children’s character Humphrey B Bear have been put up for sale for a reported fee of less than A$1m (US$708,350).

Humphrey B Bear

Adelaide-based media group Imagination is selling Humphrey after it bought the rights to the iconic character for an undisclosed amount in 2012.

Imagination said at the time that a new TV series featuring Humphrey was on the cards, but nothing has surfaced despite the continued interest in the character in his native Australia.

The company claims Humphrey, who first appeared on TV down under on a show titled Here’s Humphrey on Nine Network in 1965, is one of the most successful children’s preschool brands in Australian television history.

Local lifestyle magazine New Idea reports that the asking price for the bear is below A$1m.

Imagination has targeted the international children’s community at Kidscreen here in Miami with an advertisement announcing that Humphrey is for sale.

“Humphrey has been entertaining and educating children around the world for 50 years and holds a special place in the hearts of all Australians,” the ad reads.

The company did not respond to C21’s request for comment before this story was published. Interested parties can contact [email protected] for further information.