Classic brand also sees significant growth in Christmas sales

London, 17th January 2012. Leading children’s and family entertainment producer and rights management company Coolabi has extended its licence deal for Bagpuss with Asthma UK for a further two years. Coolabi represents the rights to the classic brand on behalf of Smallfilms and Peter Firmin.

Bagpuss pin badges, bookmarks and charm bracelets have been sold for Asthma UK through a wide range of outlets including Fitness First, QHotels and a number of building societies. Over the past five years, Bagpuss has helped raise over £1 million for Asthma UK. The new deal will see Asthma UK expanding the number of outlets which sell these collectible Bagpuss items.

Bagpuss continues to be a property in demand as evidenced by the significant growth in merchandise sales reported by Intelex over the Christmas period. The licensee secured a number of new listings for the brand, notably with River Island and Topshop, and saw increased sales through Argos and Co-op Pharmacy. Intelex plans to introduce new Bagpuss lines in 2012.

In addition, the final quarter of 2011 featured the launch of the Bagpuss pop-up shop at Whiteleys in London, and a further successful staging of the Bagpuss live show at the Soho Theatre during December.

Fran Huxley, Licensing Consultant at Coolabi says: “The extended relationship with Asthma UK is a great boost to the Bagpuss brand. The continuing success at retail, coupled with the stage show, are testament to the enduring popularity of the character. We look forward to introducing new lines in 2012.”

For further information contact DDA Blueprint PR:

Janet Balmforth Tel: +44 (0) 20 8868 0511 / + 44 7748 185656

or Email: janet@ddablueprintpr.com

About Coolabi

Coolabi is a leading provider of high quality children's and family entertainment, internationally, across all media.

Coolabi’s expertise lies in development and brand management, particularly through the channels of TV production and licensing and merchandising.

The company operates across a number of genres and the current portfolio includes Poppy Cat, Purple Ronnie and Scarlett & Crimson.

Via its subsidiary, Coolabi Publishing, the company also owns a number of classic literary estates, including Eric Ambler. In addition Coolabi also represents certain brands, including Bagpuss, Clangers, and Ivor the Engine on behalf of Smallfilms and Peter Firmin.

For more information and a background on the company visit www.coolabi.com.

About Asthma UK

Asthma UK is the charity dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the 5.4 million people in the UK whose lives are affected by asthma.

For up-to-date news on asthma, information and publications, visit the Asthma UK website asthma.org.uk.

If you are worried about your asthma or would just like to talk confidentially to a specialist asthma nurse, the Asthma UK Adviceline offers independent advice about asthma. It is open weekdays from 9am to 5pm on 0800 121 62 44or alternatively you can email an asthma nurse at asthma.org.uk/adviceline.