Licence Agreement
October 27 2003 - 1:00AM
UK Regulatory
RNS Number:3114R
Chorion PLC
27 October 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
27 October 2003
CHORION SIGNS MAJOR NEW TOY DEAL FOR NODDY:
"TOYLAND WILL SOON NEED A CONGESTION CHARGE" SAYS CHIEF EXECUTIVE
Chorion PLC (LSE: COR), the brand creation and management business, today
announced a major new deal that will lead to a huge expansion in the range,
quantity and quality of Noddy toys available in our shops. Leading toy
manufacturer Golden Bear has been awarded the core toy licence for Noddy in the
UK.
Golden Bear will build on the runaway success of its Noddy plush soft toys with
an extensive new range of traditional plastic toys and playsets - enriching the
whole fantasy of Toyland. In addition to stand alone toys such as cars, it will
develop new play concepts including a range of Noddy toys for under fives and "
Toyland Playsets".
The introduction of these new product lines featuring Noddy and his Toyland
friends marks the fulfilment of a key objective for Chorion - to secure long
term brand presence at retail with a broad range of quality toys. Chorion is
also negotiating additional deals in other key toy categories so that Noddy is
available in every area of play. From 2004 a diverse range of Noddy toys from
leading manufacturers will meet the growing demand for Toyland product from
children and parents.
Nicholas James, Chief Executive of Chorion, said:
"Chorion is creating a virtuous circle with TV, videos, books and merchandising
all reinforcing the success of the Noddy brand. This will further entrench Enid
Blyton's classic character as a must have children's brand. The deal is a major
step forward in broadening Noddy's appeal and driving sales. This major boost
to toy sales means that Toyland will soon need a congestion charge".
John Hales, Chairman of Golden Bear, said:
"We have been hugely encouraged by the success of our plush range of soft toys
and are delighted to be developing a new range of Noddy plastic toys. We
believe that these new ranges of Noddy toys will become a best seller. As the
success of our plush range has demonstrated, Noddy and his Toyland friends are
now a must have children's brand and we are thrilled to be part of that
success".
- ENDS -
For further information please call:
Rachel Whetstone Portland 020 7404 5344
Andrew Sholl
Notes to Editors
1. There are now 80 licensees round the world selling over 400 product lines,
including toys, games, videos, clothing, accessories, gifts, stationary,
food and household goods. Sales of Noddy books have reached 200 million
worldwide and are still growing.
2. Renewed interest in Noddy follows the relaunch of the character last year in
the #10 million computer generated animation series Make Way for Noddy,
which airs in the UK on Five and on networks around the world.
3. Chorion PLC is a brand creation and management business with the rights to
key properties such as Noddy, The Famous Five, Miss Marple, Poirot and
Maigret.
4. Golden Bear Products Ltd. design and create innovative toys that children
love and parents can trust. Their range of products are successfully
distributed worldwide. For any additional information please visit:
www.goldenbeartoys.com
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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