New toy line launches in Autumn 2012 Leading entertainment producer and rights management company Coolabi has secured Golden Bear as master toy partner for its much-loved hit property Poppy Cat. A brand new toy line for the UK and Eire covering plush, plastics and arts & crafts will launch in Autumn 2012. Golden Bear is one of the UK’s biggest names in toy manufacturing, with more than 30 years experience in quality toy production representing some of the country’s most popular children’s brands. The appointment of Golden Bear adds even more momentum to the licensing programme for the property which has recently seen sign-up for the categories of TV tie-in publishing, magazines, nightwear and underwear, and games and puzzles.

This deal has been secured as Poppy Cat makes its much-anticipated debut on Nick Jr in the UK this week. In addition, the show has notched up significant international TV sales including to Sprout in the US, plus Australia, Canada, Korea, Poland, and the Middle East.

The 52 x 11-minute series Poppy Cat brings to animated life the wonderful world of the preschool children’s character created by Lara Jones in the Macmillan book series that has sold over 2.5 million copies worldwide. The series is co-produced by Coolabi’s television production arm Coolabi Productions and the BAFTA award-winning King Rollo Films.

Anna Hewitt, Head of Licensing at Coolabi, says: "I am really pleased that Golden Bear is our Master Toy partner for Poppy Cat. Their enormous experience and success in pre-school makes them the perfect fit for the brand, and we look forward to working with the whole team."

Christine Nicholls, Product and Marketing Director at Golden Bear, says: "We are delighted to have been appointed as master toy licensee for this exciting new preschool property. Our company is looking forward to working with Coolabi on the Poppy Cat range which will launch a range of exciting and innovative products in Autumn / Winter 2012."