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Entertainment One Licensing (eOne) is planning “significant developments” for Peppa Pig in France, including pre-school books from Hachette Group, following last month’s release of the French cartoon.
The Peppa Pig TV show hit French screens in February, where it is currently shown on France 5. Satellite channel Nick Jr will start broadcasting the same show on 31st March, where it will be aired in blocks of four episodes three times a day.
To manage licensing for Peppa Pig in France, eOne has appointed France TV Distribution. The firm is currently assembling a consumer products programme and the first line of Peppa merchandise is poised to launch from Summer 2014.
Hachette has signed the master publishing rights for the French market and will launch a range of storybooks, novelty titles and activity books this summer.
Giochi Preziosi, which distributes the Peppa Pig toy line in Italy, has signed a deal to become the brand’s French toy partner, with the first products due for launch in the autumn.
Olivier Dumont, m.d. of eOne, said: “Securing the commitment of a major broadcaster and market leader licensees in key categories demonstrates the huge potential of Peppa in France as we look to replicate the incredible success that the property is currently enjoying in many parts of Europe.”
Peppa Pig started life as a British animated TV series produced by Astley Baker Davis. In the UK, the books are published by Penguin under the Ladybird imprint.