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Fat Albert and Postman Pat? No Sleep (ERT)     

driver - 26 May 2005 15:02



Entertainment Rights Plc

We look forward to the first full year's contribution from our 2004 acquisitions; The Filmation library of classic contemporary animated programming and Tell-Tale Productions, the creative talent behind the hugely successful TweeniesTM. The integration of Filmation is complete and the successful roll-out of DVD titles for Fat AlbertTM and He-Man and the Masters of the Universe(R) in the US, reaffirms the Board's belief that 2005 will be a significant year for the library. Tell-Tale Productions' integration into the Company has beenrealised and the TweeniesTM live arena show, 'No Sleep 'Till Bedtime' has recently toured the country playing to a total audience of over 110,000. Work continues on Tell-Tale's strong and innovative development and production slate with Tell-Tale's brand new programming Fun Song Factory and BB3B enjoying ratings success on CiTV and the BBC respectively.
The Company is well positioned for long-term growth via its strategy of aggregating quality owned and third party multi-media content. Demand for our content has never been higher as the digital age transforms the global mediamarket. The Board is confident that trading remains in line with market expectations.'

This company is well positioned to go onward and upwards, a nice stock to have in your portfolio, and tell your kids a bedtime story all about your Postman Pat investment. Zzzzzz zzzzzz
Latest announcements
'13/05/2005 Postman Pat goes to the USA'
'2/07/2005 Postman Pat goes to Japan'
ENTERTAINMENT RIGHTS ACQUIRES RUPERT BEAR
http://moneyam.uk-wire.com/cgi-bin/articles/200510310700243557T.html
Chart.aspx?Provider=EODIntra&Code=ERT&SiWWW.EntertainmentRights.com
http://www.entertainmentrights.com

driver - 25 Aug 2005 12:55 - 234 of 419

Postman Pat Postman Pat

jimmy b - 25 Sep 2005 21:12 - 235 of 419

driver , am i right in saying they have interims this week ??

driver - 25 Sep 2005 21:19 - 236 of 419

jimmy
checking

driver - 25 Sep 2005 21:28 - 237 of 419

jimmy
Yes, I think tomorrow should be positive.

jimmy b - 25 Sep 2005 21:34 - 238 of 419

Thanks i'll be watching, they have gone a bit stale of late..

bhunt1910 - 26 Sep 2005 08:39 - 239 of 419

Entertainment Rights PLC
26 September 2005



Entertainment Rights Plc ('ER')
Interim Results for the six months ended 30 June 2005

Highlights:


Turnover increased by 37% to 12.4m (2004: 9.1m)


EBITDA increased by 46% to 3.3m (2004: 2.2m)


Operating profit increased 56% to 1.2m (2004: 0.8m)


Operating profit excluding assets held for sale increased by 89% to
1.5m (2004: 0.8m)

Underlying profit after tax excluding assets held for sale increased by
111% to 0.9m (2004: 0.4m)


Basic earnings per share excluding assets held for sale increased by 45%
to 0.16p (2004: 0.11p)


International expansion into the world's largest markets


Double digit growth from all business operations

Rod Bransgrove, Chairman, Entertainment Rights Plc commented:

'Entertainment Rights ('ER') has again delivered a strong set of results for the
six months ended 30 June 2005 with revenues increasing by 37% to 12.4m and
underlying profit after tax excluding assets held for sale increasing by 111% to
0.9m.

The first six months of 2005 has been a significant period for Entertainment
Rights with the Group delivering on key objectives, most importantly, securing
broadcast platforms for Postman Pat(R) in the US with Time Warner's HBO and with
Disney in Japan. Placing Postman Pat(R) on these prestigious broadcast platforms
in the world's two largest toy markets represents a considerable milestone for
the brand and offers the Company significant opportunities in two of the world's
largest economies. We plan to build on the awareness of the Postman Pat(R) brand
in the US and Japan by launching toy lines supported by consumer products
roll-out throughout 2006 and beyond.

Our formidable record of producing top quality children's and family programming
coupled with our strong commercial relationships with the world's leading
broadcasters and consumer products partners consolidates ER's position as a
leading global children's and family media business.'

Enquiries:

Entertainment Rights Plc
Mike Heap, CEO 020 8762 6200
Elizabeth Gaines, Finance Director
Liz Morris, Head of PR

Bell Pottinger Corporate & Financial
David Rydell/Nick Lambert 020 7861 3232





CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S REVIEW

Entertainment Rights has fulfilled several key commercial objectives in the
first half of this year. The placement of Postman Pat(R) on premier broadcast
platforms in the US and Japan offers ER significant opportunities in these major
markets both for the brand and the Group.

ER owns and represents some of the strongest brands in the children's and family
market and the appeal of our broad portfolio is reflected in the Company's
strong global performance, evidenced by double digit growth from all business
operations.

Financial Performance

This half year is the first period Entertainment Rights has reported under
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Further details can be found
in our separate announcement released today. All figures used throughout this
results announcement are reported under IFRS.

As at 30 June 2005 the assets of Siriol Productions Ltd were held for sale as
these were considered non-core to the business. The disposal of these assets was
completed on 20 July 2005.

6 months ended 30 June

m Ongoing Operations Total Group
2005 2004 2005 2004
Total Turnover 12.4 8.2 12.4 9.1
EBITDA 3.5 2.2 3.3 2.2
Operating profit 1.5 0.8 1.2 0.8
Underlying* profit before tax 0.9 0.4 0.6 0.4
Profit after tax 0.7 0.4 0.3 0.3
Underlying* EPS 0.21p 0.13p 0.13p 0.12p
Basic EPS 0.16p 0.11p 0.08p 0.10p

*Underlying profit excludes the impact of the interest rate swap (IAS 32/39) and
the charge for the cost of share options (IFRS2)

The Group has performed strongly in the first six months of 2005 with
considerable growth in turnover and profitability.

Turnover for the period is 12.4m, an increase of 52% on the first half of 2004
(excluding assets held for sale). Operating profit excluding assets held for
sale increased by 89% to 1.5m. This increase reflects the success of our high
margin owned brands combined with careful management of operating costs. EBITDA
excluding assets held for sale increased by 59% to 3.5m (2004: 2.2m).

The Group continues to utilise tax losses brought forward where possible,
resulting in a tax charge of 26k for the period.

Operating cash inflow for the first half of 2005 was 4.5m (2004: 3.6m).

Net debt for the Group at 30 June 2005 was 19.6m (31 December 2004: 19.4m).



OPERATING REVIEW

Television

Television distribution is a core activity for the Group and ER is committed to
producing and distributing new and innovative programming to supply the
increasing demands of broadcasters worldwide. These demands reflect the global
trend of increased television penetration and the continuing emergence of new
children's broadcast platforms, including ITV's new children's channel which is
expected to launch in the UK in the next six months. There are currently in
excess of 400 dedicated children's channels around the world, 24 of which
operate in the UK.

Revenue from television distribution increased by 74% in the first six months of
2005, reflecting the benefits of our extensive digital library of children's and
family programming. ER is the UK's largest independent supplier of children's
and family programming with a library currently standing at 1,800 hours.

Leading industry publication, Broadcast, in its September 2005 Report on UK
Distributors recognises ER as the UK's leading supplier of children's
programming.

Postman Pat(R) launched on Time Warner's HBO in the US earlier this month and
will launch on Buena Vista International's Disney channel in Japan in April
2006. The new series of Little Red TractorTM has sold to over 120 countries to
date and will launch on leading children's channel Kika in Germany, the number 1
European market, in October 2005. Little Red Tractor(R) is performing
particularly well in Scandinavia where it is a leading pre-school property.

The Filmation library of classic contemporary characters continues to generate
revenues around the world. He-Man and the Masters of the UniverseTM has launched
on Cartoon Network in Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East, She-Ra:
Princess of Power, Fat AlbertTM and He-Man and the Masters of the UniverseTM are
currently broadcasting on Cartoon Network in Latin America. BraveStarrTM has
been licensed to Ma Planete in France and PinocchioTM will also air in France
following an agreement with TPS Jeunesse.

ER's leading position in the UK is evidenced by our long established
relationships with UK broadcasters including the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Five.
ER currently has 20 programmes under license to the BBC. Postman Pat(R)
continues to air on the BBC and CBeebies in the UK, with 88 Postman Pat(R)
episodes licenced and the broadcast platform secured beyond 2010. Other ER shows
broadcasting on the BBC include The Basil Brush Show(R), Little Red TractorTM,
BB3BTM and Boo!TM. Fun Song FactoryTM is broadcast on CiTV and GMTV1, TitchTM is
currently airing on Five and CubeezTM, InukTM, Grabbit RabbitTM and Treacle
PeopleTM are all currently appearing on Channel 4.

Third party programming continues to perform strongly, particularly Hasbro
titles TransformersTM, Duel MastersTM and B-DamanTM following a pan-European
broadcast commitment from Turner Broadcasting System Europe to air these series
on Cartoon Network. Mattel's Barbie(R), including new titles BarbieTM Fairytopia
and BarbieTM and the Magic of Pegasus, has also performed strongly with sales to
over 120 territories to-date.

Licensing and Merchandising

Group revenue from licensing and merchandising increased by 124% in the first
half of the year reflecting consumer appeal for ER's brands. We expect this
growth to be enhanced further in the medium to long term following the strategic
roll-out of consumer products in the key territories of the US and Japan.

Postman Pat(R) licensing revenues increased 140% during the first six months of
2005. Following an agreement with GlaxoSmithKline, Postman Pat(R) appeared on
circa 1 million tubes of Macleans(R) Milk Teeth toothpaste, evidencing Postman
Pat(R)'s significant position in the UK market. A groundbreaking deal with
leading playground designer and manufacturer, Wicksteed Leisure, will see
Postman Pat(R) themed playgrounds appearing in local nurseries, playgrounds and
leisure centres from Summer 2006. Postman Pat(R) is also the 2005 face of
children's charity Jeans for Genes and will be headlining a national campaign to
nursery schools, with over 25,000 mailers and activity packs being distributed
to nurseries throughout the UK. These and other initiatives executed by ER
demonstrate the broad consumer appeal of the reinvigorated Postman Pat(R) brand
which is firmly established as a leading pre-school brand with UK retailers and
consumers alike.

Little Red TractorTM continues to capitalise on its strong publishing base with
over 250,000 books sold to-date through ER's publishing partner, Ladybird. ER
has appointed leading European licensing agency, Copyright Promotions in
Germany, Switzerland and Austria and a deal has already been concluded with
market leader United Labels for a range of Little Red TractorTM apparel and
giftware. Germany is the world's third largest economy and licensed merchandise
sales in the German speaking region are worth 2.6 billion annually. Product
will roll-out in the region following the October television launch of Little
Red TractorTM on leading children's channel, Kika.

The TweeniesTM continues to be a force in the children's arena with over 2
million viewers tuning into the television series every week on BBC One and
CBeebies. Produced by ER's Tell-Tale Productions for the BBC, the 2005 live
arena tour entitled 'No Sleep 'Til Bedtime' played to a total audience of
125,000. New TweeniesTM product is performing strongly at retail with further
toy lines being released in the lead up to Christmas 2005.

Camberwick Green's Windy Miller is currently starring in a major national
television and print advertising campaign for PepsiCo's Quaker oats. As a result
of ER's success in exploiting Trumptonshire, ER's agreement to represent this
third party brand has been extended for a further five years.

Christmas 2005 will see Postman Pat(R), Jess the CatTM, The TweeniesTM and Boo!
TM appearing alongside other CBeebies characters when they star in CBeebies
Live! This Tell-Tale production for the BBC will be a major live arena tour
visiting 7 key UK cities between December 2005 and January 2006.

Home Entertainment

ER's revenue from home entertainment increased by 15% in the first six months of
2005. This was achieved against a backdrop of a challenging retail environment
in the UK. In conjunction with Postman Pat(R)'s support of Jeans for Genes, a
brand new Postman Pat(R) DVD/VHS title is released today. This partnership with
Jeans for Genes has provided new opportunities for the brand including key
retailer Matalan selling Postman Pat(R) DVDs for the first time.

Right Entertainment has long term distribution rights to Mattel's Barbie film
franchise which currently comprises 6 titles. BarbieTM FairytopiaTM was released
in March 2005 and a brand new title, BarbieTM and the Magic of Pegasus, will be
released in October. Combined Barbie(R) UK and international DVD and VHS sales
through Right Entertainment have exceeded 10.6 million units to-date across five
titles.

Demand for the Filmation library of classic contemporary characters continues
and DVD partners have been secured for Fat AlbertTM and He-Man and the Masters
of the UniverseTM in the US and Australia. Fat AlbertTM DVDs were released in
the US to coincide with the major motion picture release by Twentieth Century
Fox of the Fat AlbertTM movie in December 2004. ER has appointed Megaliner as
its video partner in Russia for He-Man and the Masters of the UniverseTM and RBA
as its video partner for the brand in Spain. ER has also appointed Allright as
its video partner for the ZorroTM brand in France.

Recognising the underlying value of ER's music catalogue, BMG Music Publishing,
the world's largest music publisher, has secured the global music publishing
rights to ER's music catalogue. In a separate deal Sony BMG recently released a
children's CD and DVD compilation album entitled 'Playtime!' featuring ER
characters Postman Pat(R), Basil Brush(R) and Little Red TractorTM. This unique
offering reflects the strength of these brands across all aspects of home
entertainment.

New Media

The advent of global digitisation is an exciting opportunity for ER. The Group's
programming, characters and brands represent ideal content for the fast moving
digital market, transcending traditional distribution channels.

He-Man and the Masters of the Universe(R) is the first ever classic animated
series to be released on PlayStation Portable's ('PSP') Universal Media Disc
('UMD') in the US following the recent agreement with BCI Navarre. PSP was
launched in the US in March 2005 and although a relatively new medium, 5.7
million PSP consoles have already been shipped worldwide with the US taking
delivery of 2.7 million consoles and 3.3 million UMD units to-date.

ER has recently concluded a deal with leading US multimedia content supplier
American Greetings Interactive for Fat Albert mobile and Instant Messaging
content. The agreement will see Fat Albert ringtones, wallpaper, and
animated IM content available in the US market from Autumn 2005.

Postman Pat(R) and Little Red TractorTM games and software are currently in
development following ER's agreement with Bright Things for their pre-school
games console. In addition, Basil Brush(R)'s brand new computer game from Fifth
Dimension will be launched in the UK in Spring 2006.

ER is taking full advantage of the digital landscape and we continue to explore
and exploit opportunities for our highly relevant brands in this rapidly
expanding market by leveraging our valuable content across a multitude of media
platforms.

Outlook

The progress of the Group in the first six months of the year has been
significant and builds on the strategic positioning of ER following the
acquisitions of the Filmation library and Tell-Tale Productions in 2004. The
securing of key broadcast platforms for Postman Pat(R) in both the US and Japan
represents a significant achievement for the Company as we continue to expand
our portfolio of characters and brands internationally.

Our focus is to continue to build the global presence of all of our brands and
to maximise exploitation opportunities for our significant library across all
media, existing and new. Content is, and will continue to be, the core to the
success of the ever increasing number of global entertainment platforms and in
this dynamic digital media environment, ER is ideally positioned as a key
content owner and supplier.

We have enjoyed a strong first half and current trading continues in line with
market expectations. ER remains focused on delivering long term value for its
shareholders.

In conclusion, I would like to recognise the diligence, hard work and enthusiasm
of all our staff in delivering another strong set of results.


Mike Heap
CEO

What a cracking set of results

driver - 26 Sep 2005 09:51 - 240 of 419

baza
Thanks for posting the results, as expected double-digit growth, onward and upward at a nice steady pace.


driver - 26 Sep 2005 11:25 - 241 of 419

1m buy just gone through that should move the sp or at least under line it.

driver - 29 Sep 2005 14:24 - 242 of 419

Whats up pat you got a headache, and only this a couple of days ago.

Entertainment Rights delivers strong H1 results
AFX


LONDON (AFX) - Entertainment Rights PLC said first half pretax profit rose to 358 mln stg from 309 mln a year earlier and said it is continuing to build on the success of the Postman Pat brand.

'We plan to build on the awareness of the Postman Pat brand in the US and Japan by launching toy lines supported by consumer products roll-out throughout 2006 and beyond,' it said.

Entertainment Rights said underlying pretax profit excluding assets held for sale increased 111 pct to 900,000 stg from 400,000 stg, while underlying pretax profit excluding the impact of interest rate swaps and charges for the cost of share options rose to 600,000 stg from 400,000 a year earlier last time.

Turnover increased 37 pct to 12.4 mln stg from 9.1 mln.

'We have enjoyed a strong first half and current trading continues in line with market expectations. ER remains focused on delivering long-term value for its shareholders,' said the group.

The results were prepared for the first time using IFRS accounting.

newsdesk@afxnews.com

jimmy b - 29 Sep 2005 22:18 - 243 of 419

How ungrateful can you get,, i warned you (driver) not to let Pat go to the USA .
All that running around in womens clothes and hanging out with transvestites..

driver - 29 Sep 2005 22:43 - 244 of 419

jimmy
Pat will get over his headache this is a nice long termer look at the results, keep an eye on it and get back in some day.

driver - 17 Oct 2005 08:03 - 245 of 419



Entertainment Rights PLC
17 October 2005


ENTERTAINMENT RIGHTS AGREES THREE MOVIE DEAL WITH MATTEL

Entertainment Rights Plc ('ER'), one of the UK's leading independent media
groups is pleased to announce an agreement with Mattel Inc for the home
entertainment and television distribution rights to the next three animated
Barbie(R) feature-length movies, bringing the total number of Barbie(R) films
distributed by ER to nine.

The three titles will be released in the UK on DVD and video throughout 2006
through ER's home entertainment label, Right Entertainment. ER has also secured
certain international television rights (excluding USA) to the films.

This agreement follows ER's success as the distributor of Mattel's previous
Barbie(R) films, including Barbie(TM) in the Nutcracker, Barbie(TM) as Rapunzel,
Barbie(TM) of Swan Lake, Barbie(TM) as the Princess and the Pauper and
Barbie(TM) FairytopiaTM. Home entertainment sales through Right Entertainment
have exceeded 10.6 million units and six titles have been sold by ER to leading
broadcasters in more than 80 countries.

In March 2005, ER announced the release of the brand new Barbie(R) feature film,
Barbie(TM) and the Magic of Pegasus, which will be released on DVD and VHS in
the UK on 17 October 2005.

The first title to be released in 2006 under this new agreement as part of the
three movie deal will be Barbie(TM) Diaries. Barbie(TM) Diaries represents a new
phase in the Barbie(R) film franchise as for the first time Barbie(R) plays
herself as a suburban teenager at high school. Barbie(TM) Mermaidia, will also
be released in 2006 as will a third title which follows on from the Barbie(R)
Princess series of movies.
Mike Heap, Chief Executive, Entertainment Rights commented:

'We are delighted to be partnering with Mattel, who have shown unprecedented
confidence in ER with this new agreement for the next three Barbie movies,
bringing the total number of Barbie titles distributed by ER to nine. The
success of the previous Barbie titles is a testament to the high quality films
coupled with the expertise of ER's International Sales team and Home
Entertainment Division. I am in no doubt that these brand new movies will
emulate the success of the previous Barbie titles and will be loved by girls
around the globe.'

-Ends-

driver - 17 Oct 2005 11:39 - 246 of 419

One of the new films is Diaries Barbie that could be reveling.
Home entertainment sales through Right Entertainment have exceeded 10.6 million units, so with an extra three films we could expect an extra 5m units, a nice revenue earner.

driver - 26 Oct 2005 17:33 - 247 of 419

I cannot see the reason for the resent price fall in the sp, what with xmas coming and all the good news this year, more news out today below, and the sp is now back up.

LONDON (AFX) - Entertainment Rights PLC said it has renewed its licensing agreement for Martin Yaffe Ltd to represent the Postman Pat brand as Master Toy Licensee for the UK and Ireland through to 2009.

Postman Pat toys will continue to be produced under Yaffe's Born to Play brand alongside other key pre-school brands including The Tweenies.

newsdesk@afxnews.com


bosley - 26 Oct 2005 17:59 - 248 of 419

hello driver. not seen you for a while. are you alright?

driver - 26 Oct 2005 22:25 - 249 of 419

bos
Yes thanks bos I'm fine, just keeping my head down at the moment I'm out at the moment on the you know who stock, it was doing my head in I may get back in at the right price it could go either way.

driver - 31 Oct 2005 10:05 - 250 of 419

Entertainment Rights pays Express Newspapers 6 mln stg for Rupert Bear

LONDON (AFX) - Entertainment Rights PLC said it has paid Express Newspapers 6 mln stg for a majority interest in Rupert Bear, who first appeared in 1920 in the story 'Little Bear Lost'.

As well as audio visual, licensing and merchandising, publishing, live events and new media rights to Rupert Bear, Entertainment Rights said it can also produce new Rupert Bear programming in all formats and genres.

Express retains a minority interest in Rupert Bear of 33.33 pct plus the right to publish Rupert Bear comic strips in certain Express publications.

Entertainment Rights said it financed the purchase with a new facility negotiated with its principal banker, Bank of Scotland.

A new Rupert Bear television series is currently in development and ER said it will be implementing a full consumer products campaign and DVD release programme for the brand.
newsdesk@afxnews.com

See Full RNS
http://moneyam.uk-wire.com/cgi-bin/articles/200510310700243557T.html

driver - 31 Oct 2005 10:07 - 251 of 419

Good news from ERT.

Mike Heap, CEO, Entertainment Rights Plc commented:

'We are absolutely delighted by the addition of Rupert Bear to our stable of
global children's brands. Whilst Rupert will retain his distinctive look and
character and will maintain his existing friendships, he will be joined in
Nutwood by a brand new cast of characters. This is a significant deal for ER and
we are delighted to conclude this agreement with Express. ER's track record and
expertise in building brands makes ER a natural home for Rupert. I have no doubt
that Rupert Bear will continue to delight generations of children around the
world.'

driver - 07 Nov 2005 15:12 - 252 of 419

Nice to see a steady rise in the sp, since the arrival of Rupert.

driver - 11 Nov 2005 22:29 - 253 of 419

Two big buys today totaling 1m plus., xmas is coming.
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