Egmont Widens Kids Portfolio With Fireman Sam Contract

Children’s magazine specialist, Egmont Magazines, has been awarded the licence to publish Fireman Sam magazine in the UK, with brand owner HIT Entertainment awarding the contract for launch later this year.

Launching in Spring/Summer 2006, the title builds on Egmont’s existing relationship with HIT which sees the publisher produce the Fireman Sam book range.

Commenting on the companies’ latest collaboration, Katie Price at HIT Entertainment said: “Egmont UK have already been our partners in creating the successful book series and their enthusiasm, experience and expertise continues to impress. We are delighted to announce their appointment as our magazine publishing partner.”

The Fireman Sam brand is a good fit for Egmont, which already publishes a range of pre-school and children’s titles including Barbie, Hot Wheels Magazine and Winnie The Pooh.

Emma Brocklehurst, product manager at Egmont welcomed the latest contract win, stating: “Egmont Magazines has a great track record in creating successful, innovative and relevant publishing products for celebrated evergreen characters. Our current portfolio includes both the Thomas & Friends magazine series and the Disney pre-school titles. This launch follows hot on the heels of Egmont’s successful bid to publish Noddy magazine, which will be launching on 15th February.

“We feel both Fireman Sam and Noddy magazine will be a sure fire hit with the target 2-6 year age group and we are looking forward to an exciting year in 2006.”

Last year saw Egmont scoop the rights to publish Disney Special Collection, a monthly title targeting boys and girls aged 3-7 years featuring some of Disney’s best-loved characters, and branded cover mounted gifts (see Egmont Expands Magazine Portfolio With Disney Title).

Egmont Magazines: 020 7380 6430 www.egmont.co.uk