Dargaud acquires Ellipse Animation

In France, publishing company Dargaud has acquired toon production house Ellipse Animation from Canal+ owned outfit Studio Expand for an unspecified amount.

The deal will see Ellipse's animated properties, such as series Babar, Tintin, Bécassine, Corto Maltese and Fantômette, join Dargaud's portfolio. The latter's comic book publishing collection already contains Tintin and Barbar, along with French favourites Asterix and Lucky Luke.

Dargaud merged its own animation and drama production activities with companies Marina and Millésime three years ago to form Dargaud Marina. The combined library includes Mr Men, L'Enfant et les Loups and Les Petites Sorcières.

Dargaud is part of the Media-Participations group, while Studio Expand comprises Vivendi Universal's various French production operations.

Launched in 1987, Ellipse specialised in adapting children's literary classics and cartoons.