Existing Copyrights team will remain in place, including Nicholas Durbridge as chairman.
Studiocanal has taken full ownership of the Paddington brand, acquiring Paddington and Company.
At the same time, the company has acquired The Copyrights Group, which acts as the merchandise licensing agent for Paddington Bear, as well as a number of other literary properties.
Created by Michael Bond CBE in 1958, Paddington Bear is one of the most famous and best loved children’s book characters across the world.
Over 35 million books have been sold worldwide in more than 40 languages, and over 25 million people own a Paddington soft toy.
The Paddington Movie was the most successful family film ever released outside of Hollywood, and a sequel has been dated for 2017.
Karen Jankel – owner and md of Paddington and Company – will be retaining a consultancy role on the future creative development of the brand in association with the team at The Copyrights Group, which has represented Paddington since 1984.
Michael Bond will also continue to work closely with Studiocanal as regards the publishing rights which he retains.
Harvey Unna and Stephen Durbridge (1975), which has represented all of the media rights in Paddington for the last 40 years is also part of the Studiocanal acquisition.
Didier Lupfer, ceo of Studiocanal, commented: “We are particularly proud and happy that Michael Bond, Karen Jankel and their family have chosen to trust us with Paddington Bear, who will be welcomed at Studiocanal as one of our family.
“We have maintained a very close relationship with them since the release of the first film, which was one of the highlights of Studiocanal’s recent development.
“Following this success, we shall continue to develop Paddington, who is already a familiar feature in millions of homes worldwide. This will start with a second chapter of Paddington’s movie adventures, the shooting of which is to start this autumn.
“Beyond cinema, Paddington will benefit from the full strength of a media and entertainment group of Vivendi’s size, with a presence in television, music, live entertainment, video games and the digital world.”
Nicholas Durbridge, chairman of The Copyrights Group, added: “I am delighted that Copyrights has become part of the Studiocanal group of companies.
“Their international network will benefit not only the licensing of Paddington Bear but also the other classic brands that Copyrights represents including Raymond Briggs’ The Snowman, Father Christmas and Fungus the Bogeyman characters and The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady.”
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