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PEEP! PEEP! Its official! Thomas & Friends, the world’s most popular children’s television, publishing, home entertainment, live event, attractions and toy property has remained in the top licensing spot for another year according to GFK’s latest industry report. In December’s results, Thomas & Friends is ranked as Australia’s No. 1 preschool license with year to date sales up more than 13%. The growth of Thomas & Friends, reflected around the world, is attributed to its strong broadcast performance on the ABC and Nickelodeon and a solid 2008 licensing program driven by Haven Licensing, the Australian agent for the popular property. Haven was appointed by HIT Entertainment, rights owners and producers of Thomas & Friends in 2006. Thomas & Friends was created almost 65 years ago and following its global success, was first broadcast in Australia on the ABC in 1987 and Nickelodeon in 2000 and quickly grew in popularity to become Australia’s number one preschool property. The licensing and merchandise program has continued steady growth since launching in Australia with almost 2 million DVDs sold to date and over 200 million books have been sold worldwide. Globally, Thomas & Friends generates US$1.6 billion at retail each year and is the No. 1 licensed preschool property in the UK, USA (boys), Germany and Australia. The recent launch of Thomas & Friends in China on the national broadcaster CCTV further increases its reach and distribution around the world. Along with the television series and licensing program, the popular Day out with Thomas events held across the country attract over 90,000 visitors each year and the highly acclaimed Australian produced global stage show, Thomas & Friends Live!, has been touring the US, Europe and Asia since 2007 with sell-out shows and will be making a return to Australia on a national tour later this year. Haven Licensing has also recently announced the appointment of XSystem Entertainment Australia to roll out mini-shows in shopping centres from early 2009. Peter Byrne, Executive Vice President Consumer Products International added, “Thomas & Friends is now an intrinsic part of our preschool culture. There is no other preschool property in the industry today that shares its rich heritage, timeless appeal and such a loyal following. Thomas & Friends continues to be a brand that is trusted by parents and loved by children all over the world and we’re thrilled that the property continues to go from strength to strength in Australia.” Tom Punch, Managing Director Haven Licensing, commented, “Thomas is a perennial brand in Australia, much loved by kids, parents and grandparents. You could say it is a rite of passage for young Aussie kids to fall in love with Thomas and Friends and immerse themselves in his world. The merchandise program grows and grows with every key retailer in the country planning an expansion of their offering for young fans in 2009. We have “Thomas Weeks” at national retailers, live stage shows touring, theatrical release programs and lots more to ensure that young Thomas fans can experience their favourite character in many different ways.” Thomas & Friends has achieved success around the world and is now broadcast in over 185 countries and translated into more than 35 languages. Thomas & Friends has recently made its broadcast debut in China on the national broadcaster CCTV. |
