Authentic expands platform into character IP with rights to Care Bears franchise

Care Bears brand extensions have included cuddly toys, TV series and specials

US-based brand and entertainment platform Authentic Brands Group (ABG) has acquired the IP rights to classic kids’ franchise Care Bears.

This is the first character franchise deal for the New York-headquartered company, which will now look to extend and monetise the Care Bears universe across content, experiences and merchandise.

ABG divisions Authentic Studios and Authentic Live will both be involved in growing the brand through new stories and fan experiences.

The acquisition deal, terms of which were not disclosed, is subject to the customary closing conditions and is expected to be completed later this year.

Care Bears started off as a greetings card line painted by artist Elena Kucharik in 1981, before being turned into best-selling cuddly toys, animated TV specials and movies.

Corey Salter, CEO of Authentic’s entertainment division, said: “Our opportunity is not simply to steward the brand and its message of positivity, it’s to bring Care Bears into Authentic’s powerful platform and write the next great chapter in one of entertainment’s most enduring franchises.”