Shares in the group, which also owns the rights to Rupert the Bear and Basil Brush, rose 13 per cent at one stage.
The Hammersmith-based firm had been at the centre of speculation in recent months over interest from private equity firms. It did not disclose its suitor, but potential buyers are said to include rival media group Chorion, which is owned by private equity firm 3i. Saban Capital - the private equity company run by Israeli media entrepreneur Haim Saban - is also thought to have expressed an interest recently.
Shares dived to their lowest level for four-and-a-half years after Entertainment Rights said worse than expected Christmas trading would see profits and sales for 2007 miss forecasts.
Entertainment Rights last autumn boosted its presence in the key US market, with the purchase of Casper The Friendly Ghost and Lassie owner Classic Media.
Tweet
