Entertainment One Announces Global Partnership with Merlin Entertainments to Develop New Peppa Pig Attractions
Multi-territory Partnership to Create Location-Based Entertainment and Accommodation
LONDON: 17th October 2017 - Entertainment One (eOne) today proudly announces that it has entered into a global partnership with Merlin Entertainments (Merlin), to develop and operate location-based entertainment attractions based on its popular preschool license, Peppa Pig.
The leading visitor attraction operator will roll out new attraction formats and themed accommodation featuring Peppa Pig and all her family and friends. The deal covers all territories excluding the UK and Merlin will have exclusive rights for all location based entertainment formats with the exception of China, which will be licensed to Merlin on a non-exclusive basis.
In collaboration with eOne, Merlin will create fully branded, standalone Peppa Pig attractions in multiple formats as well as the development of dedicated branded areas within existing Merlin’s Resort Theme Parks. Merlin expects to open in-park areas in two Resort Theme Parks in 2018 and it is expected the first standalone attraction will open in 2019.
Nick Varney, Chief Executive Officer of Merlin Entertainments said, “We are extremely excited to be partnering with eOne. Global IP is an important part of our strategic growth and Peppa Pig is an exceptionally strong brand, recognised and loved by families around the world. The roll out of new attractions as part of this deal will further diversify our portfolio – by brand, customer type and geography. Our Merlin Magic Making creative team is already well progressed in working with our partners at eOne to develop these new concepts which will complement our existing brands and extend our reach into the important pre-school market.”
Olivier Dumont, eOne’s President, Family & Brands, said “The partnership with Merlin highlights our commitment to bringing Peppa Pig to a global audience so that families around the world will be able to create unforgettable memories based on real life experiences. Merlin’s commitment is a ringing endorsement for the longevity of the property and these attractions will play a key role in ensuring its future success for generations to come.”
About Entertainment One
Entertainment One Ltd. (LSE:ETO) is a global independent studio that specializes in the development, acquisition, production, financing, distribution and sales of entertainment content. The Company’s diversified expertise spans across film, television and music production and sales, family programming, merchandising and licensing, and digital content. Through its global reach and expansive scale, powered by deep local market knowledge, the Company delivers the best content to the world.
Entertainment One’s robust network includes film and television studio The Mark Gordon Company; content creation venture Amblin Partners with Steven Spielberg, DreamWorks Studios, Participant Media, Reliance Entertainment, Alibaba Pictures and Universal Filmed Entertainment; newly-launched MAKEREADY with Brad Weston; leading feature film production and global sales company Sierra Pictures; unscripted television production company Renegade 83; world-class music labels Dualtone Music Group and Last Gang; and award-winning digital agency Secret Location.
The Company’s rights library is exploited across all media formats and includes more than 100,000 hours of film and television content and approximately 40,000 music tracks.
About Merlin Entertainments plc
Merlin Entertainments plc is a global leader in location based, family entertainment. As Europe's Number 1 and the world's second-largest visitor attraction operator, Merlin now operates over 100 attractions, 15 hotels and 6 holiday villages in 24 countries and across 4 continents. The company aims to deliver memorable experiences to its more than 60 million visitors worldwide, through its iconic global and local brands, and the commitment and passion of its c.29,000 employees (peak season).
Visit www.merlinentertainments.biz for more information.
The news follows eOne unveiling plans to expand Peppa Pig World at Paulton’s Park theme park in Hampshire, UK in 2018. The expansion includes two new rides as well as a dedicated baby care center and a new catering outlet. The new additions join the existing seven rides at Peppa Pig World, along with the park’s indoor play area, water splash area and the largest dedicated Peppa Pig gift shop in the world. Peppa Pig World first opened within Paulton’s Park in 2011.
These location-based entertainment expansions come as the Peppa Pig brand continues to be a powerhouse for eOne, with total retail sales of US$1.2 billion in fiscal 2017 (up from US$1.1 billion in 2016) and licensing and merchandising revenue of US$59.3 million.
Fans can watch Peppa Pig everyday on Nick Jr. and Milkshake!
More Nick: Entertainment One Announces 117 Brand-New Episodes Of "Peppa Pig"!
Additional source: Kidscreen.
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