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Pearson Television's move into the animation business has been accelerated by acquiring the European animation financing and distribution company, EVA Entertainment. The acquisition follows Pearson's creation of an animation production and financing unit and the appointment of John Bullivant as Head of Animation last year. Following the acquisition, Pearson Television's animation business will operate under the name EVA Entertainment, with John Bullivant as Director of Animation, and Mikael Shields, currently Managing Director of EVA, as Chief Operating Officer. Pearson Television's Head of Special Projects, Hugh Pile, will be Chairman of the animation group. The total payment to the ordinary and preference shareholders of EVA is 2million. The combined libraries of the two companies include such classic properties as Spot from Penguin and Count Duckula and Dangermouse from Thames, as well as the award-winning Pond Life. New animation projects include Roald Dahl's The BFG, and Aardman Animation's first-ever project for the young adult audience Rex the Runt. Greg Dyke, Chairman and Chief Executive of Pearson Television said today: "This acquisition accelerates our entry into the animation marketplace and helps us to take advantage of the current worldwide growth in the sector, with some prestigious projects, an experienced management team and a well-established brand." Mikael Shields said: "We are looking forward to being part of Pearson Television. This will enable us to capitalise on EVA's existing strengths in the marketplace, and as well as to exploit the exciting new opportunities that Pearson's increased commitment to animation will bring."
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