 Noddy is a popular kids TV character the world over |
Shares in Chorion, the media group that owns the rights to Noddy and the Mr Men, have soared 20% after the firm said it was in takeover talks. Chorion said that it was in "advanced discussions" and that any offer was likely to be in cash at 425p per share.
Such a bid would value the company at about �108m ($188m).
Last year Chorion announced record pre-tax profits of �4.3m, up 35% on the year before thanks to the success of its children's business.
It 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.
The group owns the rights to other well known characters including the Famous Five, Hercule Poirot and Inspector Maigret.
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