Noddy is a popular kids TV character the world over

The deal means media group Chorion has achieved its aim of selling the Noddy brand to all of its target audiences - the US, UK, Japan, France and Germany.

Chorion snapped up Enid Blyton's Noddy brand for �13m in 1996 and has since sold his �10m, 100-episode computer animated TV series around the world.

Nickelodeon Germany broadcasts to 32 million homes.

"Selling Noddy into Germany has been a key objective of the company," said Chorion chief executive Nicholas James.

"It consolidates Noddy's presence in Europe and means Noddy will be on air in all five of the largest pre-school markets."

Chorion also announced that it had sold its Noddy language learning TV series to broadcasters in France, Scandinavia, Norway and Greece.

The group owns the rights to a host of well-known characters including the Famous Five, the Mr Men, Hercule Poirot and Inspector Maigret.

Last March it announced that pre-tax profits had risen 35% to �4.3m ($8.2m) in 2004, helped by "phenomenal growth" at its children's business.