NEW YORK, May 24, 2017 – Bravado, Universal Music Group’s industry-leading merchandise and brand management-company, announced today a new partnership with Paddington’s worldwide merchandising agent The Copyrights Group to serve as the exclusive licensing agent for the Paddington brand in the U.S and Canada.

Paddington’s adventures have been adapted several times for television and, at the end of 2014, he made his debut onto the big screen. The movie, produced by Studiocanal, was the best-selling non-Hollywood family movie ever released. Studiocanal, The Copyrights Group and Universal Music Group are part of the international content and media group Vivendi.  In 2016, Vivendi took full ownership of the Paddington brand worldwide, with the exception of the publishing rights. A second Paddington movie, Paddington 2, is set to launch globally at the end of 2017.

In making the announcement, Mat Vlasic, CEO of Bravado, said, “Paddington is one of Britain’s most important and beloved characters and continues to be a symbol of imagination, positivity and family values which resonates with me on a personal level as the father of a young son. I’m honored that we have the opportunity to create new ways for fans to live in Paddington’s world.” 

Sophie Kopaczynski, Vivendi’s Senior Vice President, Franchise Management, commented: “We are thrilled that our industry-leading merchandise company will add Paddington to its powerful portfolio.  I am confident that this iconic brand will be well represented by the Bravado family, particularly as we head toward the worldwide release of Paddington 2, starring Hugh Grant as part of an international cast, at the end of 2017.” 

With the agreement, Bravado will be responsible for driving the Paddington business across retail channels and licensing categories in the USA and Canada.

About Paddington Bear:

For almost 60 years, British-born writer Michael Bond has been entertaining children and families all over the world with his stories about Paddington, the bear from Darkest Peru famous for his love of marmalade. Since the first book, A Bear Called Paddington, was published by HarperCollins in 1958, a further 14 full-length novels and countless other formats have been published.

In recognition of Paddington’s extraordinary popularity and success, Michael Bond was awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire) from the Queen for services to children’s literature in 1997 and a CBE (Commander of the British Empire) in 2015.

About Bravado: 

Bravado is the leading global provider of consumer, lifestyle and brand management services to recording artists and entertainment brands around the world. Part of Universal Music Group, the leader in music-based entertainment, Bravado has representatives in 40 countries, providing services including sales, licensing, branding, marketing and e-commerce. Their extensive global distribution network gives artists and brands the opportunity to create deeper connections with their fans through apparel, consumer packaged goods and unique experiences.

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