DQE.L Regulatory News (DQE)

16 Nov 2009 07:12



DQ Entertainment PLC ("DQE")

DQE announces distribution agreement with 

Buena Vista International, Inc for The Jungle Book

DQE, the AIM listed  Animation, Gaming and Entertainment production and distribution group is pleased to announce the signing by its subsidiary, DQ Entertainment (International) Ltd, an exclusive broadcasting agreement with USA based Buena Vista International, Inc, the distribution arm of The Walt Disney Company, for 'The Jungle Book'. DQ Entertainment (International) Ltd, recently also filed with Security Exchange Board of India for approval for listing in India.

Today's agreement will allow the Disney multiplex of channels exclusive broadcasting rights in 29 countries across the Indian Sub-Continent and South East Asia (including South Korea, Hong Kong and Japan).

On 5 May 2009, DQE announced production of a new original 3D animated TV series of The Jungle Book comprising 52 x 11-minute animated episodes at a global budget of €9.2M as well as a 60-minute TV feature. Production partners include ZDF Enterprises and ZDF Broadcasting (Germany), ABC (Australia), NBC Universal as well as broadcasting and licensing majors TF1 Group (France) and Moonscoop (France).

DQE, along with all their partners, screened the first full episode of Jungle Book 'The Wild Black Bees' at the recently concluded MIPCOM in Cannes. The gala screening was well received by the audience which included many leading industry and media stalwarts.

Tapaas Chakravarti, Chairman and CEO of DQE, commented, 

"We are thrilled with the acquisition of this series by Disney Channels' which validates the quality of this outstanding global production and faith in our creative talent. 

The strength of this offering will surely be enhanced with this partnership and we are honored that 'The Jungle Book' will be broadcast on the Disney multiplex of channels. This acquisition by Disney has great strategic significance as this validates DQE's constant pursuit for excellence ."

DESCRIPTION: The series tell stories of the man-cub 'Mowgli' raised in the Indian jungles by a pack of wolves. Drama, excitement and adventure mixed with a high element of comedy tell tales of how Mowgli lives and survives in the jungle, where his only companions are animals. His adventures reflect his daredevil, fearless, high-spirited and fun-loving escapades. He is helped by Baloo the wise bear, his best friend Bagheera the black panther and (sometimes!) mighty Kaa, the rock python. Mowgli learns to overcome adversity and make progress in his life by using his quick wit and natural curiosity, with his constantly optimistic outlook on life. This is very challenging for the little man-cub with a evil enemy like Shere Khan, the royal Bengal tiger.

Mowgli's adventures open out in the lush tropical forest of Seeonee amidst splendid Indian royal forts, temples, waterfalls and the Waingunga river. Throughout the series other characters from the Kipling stories add flavor to the drama, comedy and action, bringing out excellent animation and quality storytelling.

Trailer available for viewing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5pDCplIPp4

About DQE: 

DQE is a leading animation, gaming and entertainment production and global distribution group engaged in production, co-production and original IP development with a workforce of  3500+(2788 permanent employees and 712 freelancers and trainees), and a global client - partner base of over 90 producers, distributors, broadcasters and licensors including Walt Disney Television Animation, Nickelodeon Animation Studios Inc., Electronic Arts, Marvel Comics, American Greetings, NBC-Universal, BBC Group, M6/ France TV/ TF-1 Broadcasting groups from France, ZDF Germany and many more world-wide.

DQE has produced/co-produced and distributed iconic brands such as Iron Man - the first 3D animated TV series, Twisted Whiskers, Mikido, Casper, Pinky & Perky, second season of Large Family, third season of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and is now producing properties like Little Prince and Little Nicolas. DQE has a library of over 350 hours of international programs for distribution. 

DQE is also developing and producing 'The Jungle Book'as a 52 episode animated series and a 60 minute TV feature, Toomai-The Elephant Boy which is a live action TV series as well as Indian IPs which are on production like Mysteries of Feluda, and Omkar. 

DQE's production facilities are based in Hyderabad, Mumbai and Kolkata and it has international sales representatives in Los Angeles, Paris and Tokyo.

DISCLAIMER

DQ Entertainment (International) Limited, a wholly owned Indian subsidiary of DQE, is proposing, subject to receipt of requisite approvals, market conditions and other considerations, an initial public offer of its equity shares in India and has filed a draft red herring prospectus ("DRHP") with the Securities and Exchange Board of India ("SEBI"). The DRHP is available on the website of SEBI at www.sebi.gov.in and on the website of the book running lead manager at www.sbicaps.com.

This press release does not constitute or form part of any offer or invitation to sell or issue, or any solicitation of any offer to purchase or subscribe for, any equity shares, nor shall it or any part of it nor the fact of its distribution form the basis of, or be relied on in connection with, any contract or investment decision. Any potential investor should note that investment in equity shares involves a high degree of risk. For further details, potential investors should refer to the DRHP, which has been filed with SEBI including the section titled "Risk Factors". This press release has been prepared for publication in India and the UK and may not be published or distributed in the United States of America and is not an offer or solicitation of an offer for sale of securities in the United States. The equity shares of DQE and DQ Entertainment (International) Limited have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended or any state securities laws in the United States. This announcement does not constitute an offer of securities or sale in any jurisdiction, including the United States, and may not be offered or sold in the United States, except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act of 1993.

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