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Whitehouse Leisure has become the pan-European licensee for amusement and leisure sector plush for the character Gummibär, which has become hugely popular worldwide through music, ringtones and the internet. The licensors are Gummybear International Inc and Yazoo Music GbR and their licensing agent is AT Merchandise, a division of AT New Media Ltd. Whitehouse Leisure will produce soft toys in various sizes, with some including a sound chip featuring part of the catchy debut song with the infectious lyrics: “Oh I'm a gummy bear/ Yes I'm a gummy bear/ Oh I'm a yummy jummy funny lucky gummy bear/ Oh I'm a jolly bear cause I'm a gummy bear/ Oh I'm a movin groovin jammin singin gummy bear.” Gummibär reached number 3 on the worldwide viral charts, with over 60 million hits and 30 million video plays on YouTube, MySpace and other video websites. His single and album have been released in over 50 countries through major record labels. The music and ringtones have achieved high chart positions so far in Hungary, Germany, France, Russia, Sweden, Taiwan and Australia. AT Merchandise also worked with Whitehouse Leisure on The Annoying Thing also known as Crazy Frog. Comparisons are inevitable, but Gummibär benefits from a thorough long-term strategy, with TV animation already targeted, and with the market for ringtones completely different in 2008 compared with 2005. “We are delighted that Whitehouse Leisure have decided to capitalise upon the popularity of Gummibär,” says Paul Comben, CEO, AT New Media, “Even though the character does not rely upon television, but the very large international audience built through viral marketing.” “Gummibär is very popular with many millions of people worldwide and there is a lot of pent-up demand for merchandise,” says Jurgen Korduletsch of Gummybear International Inc, “We look forward to working with Whitehouse Leisure to create a great product range.” “Gummibär appealed to us immediately,” says Phil Setter, Managing Director of Whitehouse Leisure, “We know the impact that the music and internet marketing campaigns have on youngsters today and we are confident of high volume orders from our customers, once they see the prototype plush at the new year trade shows.” Further information and videos are available to view at www.gummibar.net. |
