DHX Media has acquired Ragdoll Worldwide from BBC Worldwide for £17.4 million (approximately $27.7 million).

As part of the acquisition DHX Media obtains 12 series including Ragdoll’s flagship properties Teletubbies and In the Night Garden. Among the other series included in the acquisition are the popular U.K. series “The Adventures of Abney & Teal” and the BAFTA-winning “Dipdap and Brum.”

“Teletubbies and In the Night Garden are worldwide phenomena. These globally recognized brands will be highly complementary to the DHX Media library, which is now one of the largest independent libraries of children’s TV content in the world,” says Michael Donovan, chief executive officer, DHX Media. “As a leading supplier to subscription video on-demand services worldwide, and as an operator of our own SVOD, we are uniquely positioned to continue to develop these evergreen children’s properties in exciting new ways and we also look to maintain a continuing link with Anne Wood, one of the most experienced and passionate producers in the business.”

Ragdoll Worldwide was established as a joint venture in 2006 between the BBC’s commercial arm, BBC Worldwide, and children’s television producer Anne Wood’s production company, Ragdoll Ltd.

Wood, together with her son, Christopher, will continue to manage and operate their own company, Ragdoll Productions, for which she will serve as founder and creative director. 

“Finding the right new home for these beloved children’s properties was incredibly important for BBC Worldwide as we have worked hard over the years with Ragdoll to nurture them and build their popularity and commercial success both in the U.K. and internationally,” says Marcus Arthur, managing director, BBC Worldwide, U.K. and Australia. “We are pleased that the brands will now see their next stage of growth under the ownership of DHX Media."