Chorion acquired independent licensing business The Copyrights Group last week, for an undisclosed sum. The deal brings together a comprehensive portfolio of classic licensing and merchandising brands known across the world. Copyrights clients’ brands range from British children’s classics such as Beatrix Potter, Paddington Bear, Raymond Briggs’ The Snowman, Spot, and Horrible Histories to lifestyle brands such as Marie Claire, Rough Guides, and The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady.

Chorion’s brand portfolio includes Noddy, Mr. Men, and the works of Agatha Christie. The acquisition comes as Chorion prepares the international launch of new television series for Mr. Men and Enid Blyton’s Famous Five.

Chorion said it plans an expansion of the Copyrights brands in international territories, including North America and Japan.

Says Jane Turner, Chorion managing director, “We are thrilled to be adding the licensing and merchandising of such globally recognized British institutions as Paddington Bear and Beatrix Potter to our portfolio of brands. Children around the world continue to delight in these fantastic characters. Global manufacturers, broadcasters, and publishers also instantly recognize their value.”

Copyrights Group co-founder and chief executive Nicholas Durbridge adds,

“We are delighted that Beatrix Potter, Paddington Bear, Flower Fairies, and the other properties forming part of the Copyrights Group brand portfolio can now stand alongside Chorion’s burgeoning family of classics. Chorion has both the integrity and experience needed to provide these iconic brands with continued success and development around the world.”

In other news, Chorion is to launch an online store for Noddy in partnership with Digital Stores. www.noddy-shop.co.uk complements the existing Noddy site www.noddy.com and will stock 150-200 Noddy items. The launch is being supported by a consumer campaign targeting parenting, online and national media. John Collins, Chorion’s senior marketing manager, Europe, said: “With use of online shopping increasing every year, now is the perfect time to provide parents of Noddy fans with a one-stop site from which to purchase a wide range of Noddy items. And we are also keen to support our valuable licensees with a great distribution outlet for their excellent product ranges”