Bob the Builder helps HIT Entertainment to record results

The phenomenal success of Bob the Builder has helped HIT Entertainment secure a record set of results over the last six months of last year.

Bob's popularity was reflected by his chart-topping Christmas single and he is winning millions of fans in the US.

HIT Entertainment's turnover was up 42% to £12.8m, compared to £9m in the same period during 2000. Earnings per share are up 50% to 2.1 p per share. Consumer product revenue is now 42% of turnover.

The company says it has been thrilled by the excellent ratings performance for Bob the Builder in the US. This has been followed up the successful acquisition of Lyrick Studios and its popular Barney the Dinosaur character .

Peter Orton, Chief Executive HIT Entertainment, says: " What these figures demonstrate is the strong growth in consumer product revenues, which during this period were predominantly derived from the UK as the Bob the Builder brand developed.

"US and other international consumer product revenue from Bob the Builder and other brands will begin to make a significant contribution from 2002 as the licensing programmes in these other territories begin to roll out towards the end of this financial year."

These figures do not include any contribution from the recent Lyrick acquisition, which was completed on March 6. HIT Entertainment also owns the rights to Kipper the Dog and Angelina Ballerina.