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CBeebies Acquires A Third Series Of Chuggington

Ludorum plc, a leading specialist in the creation of global pre-school children's IP, announced today that it has secured an acquisition from the BBC’s CBeebies Channel for a further 26 x 10 minute episodes of its highly successful pre-school series, Chuggington.

Chuggington

Press Release from Ludorum plc

London, 8th February 2011: Ludorum plc, a leading specialist in the creation of global pre-school children's IP, announced today that it has secured an acquisition from the BBC’s CBeebies Channel for a further 26 x 10 minute episodes of its highly successful pre-school series, Chuggington. In addition, CBeebies has also ordered an additional 13 x 4 minute episodes of the Chuggington mini-series, Badge Quest.

The CBeebies acquisition of Chuggington series three will bring the total number of episodes to 104 x 10 minutes plus 52 x 4 minute episodes of Badge Quest. The new series of Chuggington is expected to launch on the channel in early 2012.

Series three of Chuggington will bring a near cinematic quality of animation to TV, as well as increased special effects, expansion of the strong themes of adventure, humour and life lessons established in the first two series plus the introduction of eight new engines, extensive new rolling stock and exciting new locations.

Chuggington made its UK debut in September 2008 on BBC TWO’s CBeebies block and launched on the CBeebies Channel in January 2009 where the series was quickly established as a ratings success. The second series, which introduced new characters voiced by well-known children’s presenter and campaigner, Floella Benjamin and actor Warren Clarke (Dalziel and Pascoe), launched on CBeebies in September 2010 and has consistently delivered above average ratings figures for the timeslot.

Chuggington has now sold to over 178 countries around the world and is translated in over 26 languages.  Ludorum has also appointed over 180 licensees globally to date.

Commenting on today’s agreement, Charlie Caminada, Chief Operating Officer, Ludorum, said: “We are delighted to be working with CBeebies on the third series of Chuggington.  The series has already established itself as a huge ratings success on the UK’s leading pre-school broadcast platform, exceeding our expectations and continues to deliver strong ratings performances in key territories around the globe.”

Kay Benbow, Controller, CBeebies added: "We're thrilled that Chuggington is steaming back onto our screens this year. It’s hugely popular with our young viewers and we look forward to seeing what adventures are in store for the chuggers."

About Ludorum plc Ludorum was founded and is operated by the former CEO and COO of HIT Entertainment PLC which managed a strong portfolio of children's properties including Bob the Builder™, Barney™, Thomas & Friends™, Pingu™ and Guinness World Records®, and by the co-founder and former CEO of Learning Curve, International, the company that held toy licenses for Thomas & Friends and other preschool properties. Ludorum is dedicated to developing, acquiring and marketing intellectual entertainment properties that are appropriate for both new interactive distribution channels and classic linear TV. For more information about Ludorum please visit: www.ludorum.com.

About ChuggingtonChuggington is a computer generated 3D series as well as a fully immersive interactive website. The series follows the adventures of Wilson, Brewster and Koko, trainee diesel engines, each with their own unique personality and learning style. The series is set in a world much like our own with cities, villages and diverse cultures and geography. Entertainment and enjoyment is at the heart of Chuggington, but embedded within each story are important educational and developmental messages centered on learning and social-emotional development. Chuggington is directed by Sarah Ball, who won a BAFTA award for her work as a director and writer of Bob the Builder. The property was conceived to seamlessly integrate television, books and interactive. Further information is available at www.chuggington.com.

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