Chorion and BMG in Alliance

RNS Number:9290R
Chorion PLC
11 November 2003


 Chorion and BMG in major alliance as Noddy signs international recording deal


Tuesday, 11 November 2003 -- Chorion PLC (LSE:  COR), the brand creation and
management business, today announced a strategic partnership with music giant
BMG for an on-going series of music releases featuring the classic children's
character Noddy.

Noddy's recording contract, with one of the world's largest music publishers,
underlines the growing confidence in the power of the Noddy brand following the
international success of the 100-episode animated television series, Make Way
for Noddy.

BMG will publish, distribute and market the music in up to ten territories. Each
release will also be timed to support the rollout of other Noddy merchandising
and media properties. Where appropriate local language versions of the records
will be created.

The first territory to reap the benefits of the deal is the UK, where Noddy's
debut single - the catchy theme tune to Make Way for Noddy - will be released on
8 December 2003 to target the key Christmas market. The single is currently 10-1
at Labrokes to become Christmas Number One. This will be followed by an album in
2004.

The multi-territory deal is the latest in a series of milestones in the
reinvigoration of the Noddy brand around the world. Success on television has
driven toy, video/DVD and merchandising sales. The music deal will help Chorion
further promote and monetise the character.

Nicholas James, Chief Executive of Chorion, said:

"BMG is a great partner for us to bring Noddy to a wide international audience.
The strategic relationship between Chorion and BMG will allow us to build on the
success we have enjoyed to date by providing valuable new marketing
opportunities and generating new revenue streams. Music is a core element of
Chorion's strategy to create a virtuous circle of television exposure, brand
awareness, merchandising deals and brand extensions."

Darren Henderson, BMG Commercial's Director of Marketing said:

"The next 12 months will be very exciting for Noddy and his music career.
Children's records are one of the most dynamic music propositions. But alongside
Bob the Builder and Teletubbies, only a select few pre-teen brands such as Noddy
are well known enough to extend into music and to support a worldwide release
programme. This is a wonderful opportunity for BMG and we look forward to
developing a long and fruitful music relationship with this treasured icon."


                                    - ends -


For further information please call:


Andrew Sholl or Tim Allan
Portland, for Chorion
020 7404 5344


About Chorion

Chorion PLC is an owner and developer of intellectual property, with the rights
to key properties such as Noddy, The Famous Five, Miss Marple, Poirot and
Maigret.

Created in 1949, Enid Blyton's Noddy is one of the best-loved children's
characters of all time. The Noddy books have been translated into 40 languages
with total sales to date in excess of 200 million. Two million Noddy books are
sold each year - 36 years after his creator's death.


About BMG

BMG is one of the world's premier music companies with more than 200 record
labels in 42 countries including Ariola, Arista Records, J Records, RCA Label
Group - Nashville, and RCA Records. BMG is also home to one of the industry's
foremost music distribution companies and one of the world's largest music
publishing companies.


                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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