SHE’S the cartoon character who delights children across the globe and at a Hampshire amusement park – and Peppa Pig has just made her creators £140million.
The show is the brainchild of Mark Baker, Neville Astley and Phil Davies, and first shot onto TV screens in 2004.
Since then it has won a host of awards and spawned Peppa Pig World at Paultons Park, near Southampton, with more than 200 episodes being screen in countries including the USA, Australia, and the UK.
And media company Entertainment One (eOne) has announced it is taking a controlling stake in Peppa in a deal worth £140m.
eOne says it will look to maximise the brand’s value and believes the move underpins its ownership strategy.
Darren Throop, president and CEO of eOne, pictured, said: “Peppa Pig has emerged as a worldwide phenomenon and reflects the success of our 10-year partnership working with the creative genius of Mark, Nev and Phil.
“Now the number one preschool property in the UK, Australia, Spain, Italy, Mexico and Brazil, and a leader in major territories around the world, the growth opportunities for Peppa are significant.
“Our family and licensing teams have an unparalleled knowledge of the brand and an impassioned belief in its global potential.
“As we continue to expand in the US, Asia and throughout our existing markets, we are excited to enter into new markets and take Peppa to new heights.”
Plans for the Peppa Pig World at Ower were unveiled in 2010 and after opening a year later, the park has attracted thousands of families from across the world.
The £6m Peppa-themed section of the site was named Britain’s top theme park in a Which? magazine survey.
It beat off competition from Alton Towers and Legoland and was noted to be especially popular for families.
Peppa Pig co-owners Astley Baker Davies (ABD), which has produced six series of the show, agreed to allow eOne to purchase a controlling stake.
Paultons Park were unavailable for comment.
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