On September 13, 2004, Entertainment Rights PLC acquired Tell Tale Productions LTD making it a wholly owned subsidiary of Entertainment Rights PLC at a cost of 3.1 millon.
Tell-Tale Productions was started in 1994 by Iain Lauchlan and Will Brenton as a “writing vehicle” for their own needs, but changed when the pair created and started production of The Tweenies in 1999. The company expanded to employ over 60 people. Set in a daycare attended by the four Tweenies themselves: 9-10-year-old Bella; Milo, aged 7; Fizz, aged 7-8; and the youngest, Jake, aged 6-7 who are in the care of two adults, Max and Judy, and two dogs – Doodles, aged 6, and Izzles.
This acquisition is expected to be immediately earnings enhancing. Enlarged Group to receive ongoing royalties on all The Tweenies revenue. The Tweenies airs on Nickelodeon and Noggin in the USA and a North American consumer products roll out is now underway. Major motion picture planned for The Tweenies in 2005 as well. This takeover will strengthen Creative Division, to be headed by Tell-Tale founding Directors Iain Lauchlan and Will Brenton.
Entertainment Rights PLC acquisition adds several more children’s characters to Entertainment Right’s international kids market portfolio – notably The Fun Song Factory, Boo!, BB3B!, Jim Jam and Sunny, Basil Hair The Squirrel and Entertainment Right’s The Magical Lives of Toys. plus several other new programmes with broadcast commitments in development.
Commenting on the acquisition, Mike Heap, Chief Executive Officer of Entertainment Rights PLC, said: “This is a significant acquisition that secures the services of two of the UK’s most prolific creative talents and an ongoing royalty stream. With the combination of Tell-Tale’s strong creative talent and ER’s strength and expertise in television and video distribution, licensing, merchandising and brand management, the combined company will be a formidable force in the worldwide kids market. We are absolutely delighted.”