Universal Pictures Int'l Ent. has just bought the international DVD rights to the first 52-episode season of BERNARD. This deal for producer BRB Internacional represents the first time that the Spanish company has entered into such a wide-ranging alliance covering so many countries. Universal has also acquired mobile rights to BERNARD in the U.K.

Universal will start its DVD launch program in a number of countries over the course of this year. In addition to the 52 adventures of the unusually clumsy polar bear, the two DVD pack will feature extras for the fans, including a series of storyboards, artists' sketches and animatics.

The series has already been acquired by nearly half the world's countries, including France (M6, Teletoon), Germany (KIKA), U.K. (BBC), Italy (Mediaset & Nickelodeon), Spain (TVE, Jetix) Sweden (SVT), Denmark (DR), Russia (MUZ), Turkey (TV Samanyolu), Latin America (Disney), U.S. (Cartoon Network), Australia (ABC), Canada (Radio Canada), Middle East (Victory IP), South Korea (EBS) and Africa (M-Net).

And now Bernard is moving into the world of mobile phones - OHM will allow mobile subscribers to download his adventures in Austria, as will Materna in Germany and Switzerland, and Kitio Mobile in Croatia and Slovenia.

BRB is also rolling out its international merchandising program. The WB Compagnie has recently presented a range of toys and accessories in Germany, while Seven SPA is launching a wide range of stationery products in Italy.

BRB Internacional is an international company with more than 30 years experience in the production, distribution and licensing of television programs. BRB's animated series have been seen around the world, including such shows as DAVID THE GNOME, DOGTANIAN and WILLY FOG For more information, see www.brb.es.