Three new licensees get their paws on Poppy Cat
Coolabi, a leading children’s and family entertainment producer and rights management company, is pleased to announce the addition of two new licensees in the UK and Ireland, Northern Leisure Group and Art You Grew Up With, and one new licensee in Finland, Karto, for its popular pre-school brand, Poppy Cat.
Northern Leisure Group, otherwise known as Kiddy Rides, produces coin-operated rides for children. The Poppy Cat ride will feature the catchy theme tune and will be distributed in shopping centres and large stores throughout the country.
Wendy Townsend, Head of Operations at Northern Leisure Group says, “Poppy Cat gives us something to work with that is not only immediately recognisable and visually attractive, but also helps to stimulate children’s imagination. Our company is very much looking forward to working with Coolabi and launching our Poppy Cat ride in early 2014.”
Currently celebrating their 16th year of connecting fans with the art they love, Art You Grew Up With will be producing prints of Poppy Cat including signed artwork by the voice of Poppy Cat, Joanna Page, of Gavin & Stacey fame. The two-year deal will see prints sold, either framed or unframed, ranging from 8″ x 8″ to 17″ x 15″.
Karto will be manufacturing, distributing and selling Poppy Cat greeting cards, gift wrapping, gift bags and gift stickers for sale from September 2013. This was the first deal signed by new licensing agent, Limo Licensing, for Poppy Cat in Finland.
Patrick Aberg, President at Limo Licensing comments, “We are very excited to have Karto onboard. This kick starts our licensing programme for Poppy Cat, which we hope will become one of fastest growing pre-school properties in the Nordic market place. Karto’s strong position within the leading chains will secure strong visibility in major outlets.”
Valerie Fry, Director of Sales, Coolabi adds, “Poppy Cat’s distinctive and colourful style and memorable theme tune will work really well across all of these new categories. We are excited to partner with such respected licensees and we look forward to launching these new products in their respective territories.”
Poppy Cat brings to life the wonderful world of the pre-school children’s character by Lara Jones in the book series created in 2003, which sold more than 2.5 million copies. The series is co-produced by Coolabi’s television production arm,Coolabi Productions, and the Emmy shortlisted and BAFTA award-winning, King Rollo Films.
Already in almost 100 territories, Poppy Cat has become a top rating show for commissioning broadcaster Nick Jr in the UK, Sprout and NBC’s Kids block in the US, Minimini in Poland and in France in the key Zouzous slot on France5.
For more information on the pre-school series, please visit www.poppycat.com, or become a fan of Poppy Cat on Facebook (www.facebook.com/officialpoppycat) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/PoppyCat_).
For further information, please contact:
Cassandra Sananes / cassandra.sananes@coolabi.com / 0207 004 0980 / 07718908868
