Chorion Secures New Mr. Men and Little Miss Deals

Press Release from Chorion

London, 27 May 2009: Leading family entertainment producer and distributor Chorion has secured a raft of new TV and licensing deals for its MR. MEN AND LITTLE MISS brand on the eve of Licensing Expo 2009.

In the US, Fisher Price, Sony and Penguin are poised to launch brand new toy, dvd and tv tie-in book lines based on the Emmy-nominated THE MR. MEN SHOW this Fall. These key categories are timed to roll out simultaneously with the fall premiere of Season 2 on Cartoon Network. Additionally, joining the already robust domestic licensing program are new licensing partners Jay at Play for novelty room decor for kids and Liquid Crystal for personal care items for kids. To help satisfy young adults' and juniors' penchant for Mr. Men tees, Demand Made is making apparel and accessories that are printed on-demand via yerzies.com.

In the UK, where Mr. Men boasts the #3 best-selling plush program and a top performing apparel line, the hit licensing program will continue to expand into new categories with Martin Yaffe producing a range of electrical goods including hairdryers and food processors. The Corporate Clothing Company will develop Mr. Men apparel for the souvenir market. Blueprint has renewed its stationery deal and Euromark renewed its homewares range.

In Australia and New Zealand, the Mr. Men merchandising program has grown to over 40 partners. Qantas has renewed its partnership for a second year with new Mr. Men in flight activity kits to hit the skies soon. Fonterra Brands will launch a new range of yogurts destined for retail shelves in September, backed by an in-store consumer promotion.

In Germany, CPLG has been appointed to represent the brand, while in France, Canal Toys has come on board as partner for arts and crafts, and master toy licensee, Fisher Price, recently launched its Mr. Men toy range in January.

A TV tie-in publishing program has also been developed with Egmont (UK) and Hachette (Fr) to launch a range of books later this year.

Eric Karp, EVP Global Licensing & Merchandising at Chorion says: "The Mr. Men franchise continues to gain momentum in line with our most ambitious aspirations. This autumn will mark the first time we will have toy, DVD, publishing, fashion and TV tie-in merchandise operating together at retail in our established markets in the US, UK, France and Australia."

The young adult fashion business for Mr. Men and Little Miss also continues to thrive at leading retailers around the world with H&M, Marks & Spencer and Target stocking a range of products.

THE MR. MEN SHOW is continuing its worldwide rollout with ABC Australia picking up season 2; Cartoon Network Asia, Korea and Japan all taking both seasons 1 and 2 along with Canal J Russia and TG4 Ireland. The first season is also continuing to make new sales with True Visions Thailand, Happy TV Serbia, Disney Taiwan and RTP Portugal all taking broadcast rights.

Following Cartoon Network US and Five UK's commitment to a second season of the animated sketch show, a total of 104 x 11 minute episodes are currently available internationally, with broadcasters around the globe on board including Canada, Singapore, South Africa, France, and Israel.

Based on the original MR. MEN and LITTLE MISS books created by Roger Hargreaves, THE MR. MEN SHOW is the first animated sketch comedy for kids. It is an inspired re-imagining of this classic property, blending fast-paced physical humour and verbal wit with beloved, personality-driven characters.