Iconic Children’s Entertainment Brand Humphrey B. Bear Secures Backing from Marbanc’s Income Direct

Humphrey B. Bear Entertainment Pty Ltd (HBBE), the guardian of the iconic Australian children’s entertainment brand Humphrey B. Bear, has secured a strategic investment from Income Direct, the Australian subsidiary of New York headquartered investment firm Marbanc International, to fuel the company’s expansion.

The lovable, magical character first went to air in Australia in 1965, and his show, “Here's Humphrey”, became of the world's longest running children's television programs.  While Humphrey enjoyed colossal success locally, his show entertained and educated children in 55 languages worldwide.  The next step is monetizing the accumulated catalogue of more than 3,000 episodes and songs for the $1 trillion addressable entertainment and education market.

Income Direct’s investment will drive the ‘digital first’ global transformation and commercialisation of the Humphrey B. Bear brand and its catalogue, plus the creation of new content experiences that include a short-form digital series, eBooks, podcasts, games, apps, live shows, licensing opportunities, and merchandising.

Income Direct’s Executive Chairman Gerard Sivaprasad, said, “We are delighted to support the revival of such an iconic Australian brand. They have an exceptional management team and a vast portfolio of intellectual property, which is being adapted to modern formats that can be shared with millions of viewers worldwide.  It is a remarkable investment opportunity we are pleased to participate in.”

Recent transactions in the children’s entertainment industry, such as the $3 billion acquisition of the studio behind ‘CoComelon’ and ‘Blippi,’ demonstrate the ‘digital first’ shift in kids’ content. Kevin Mayer, former Disney executive, said of the purchase, “Today the best intellectual property for kids is digital in origin – it happens on YouTube.”

In 2019, another notable children’s brand, Peppa Pig, generated an estimated $1.3 billion in worldwide revenue through licensing of the show itself, sales of toys, merchandise, and attractions around the world. The show has had 60 billion views on Chinese streaming services and sold 40 million books in Mandarin.
Much-loved Australian children’s show Bluey has also spawned books, albums, clothing, toys, and a live stage show. It is now seen in 60 countries, and there are 110 international merchandising licensees. As a result, there are over 1,000 Bluey-themed products in the marketplace.

Craig Kocinski, co-founder and managing director of HBBE, said “Strategic impact investors like Income Direct and Marbanc International are crucial to our global expansion strategy. They will enable Humphrey, the embodiment of goodwill and joy, to reach new heights. Together, we aim to create lasting memories and secure exceptional return on investment.”

Humphrey B. Bear’s management team will soon announce a large-scale commercial licensing agreement while their ‘digital first’ commercialisation strategy is underway.

About Humphrey B Bear Entertainment Pty Ltd

HBBE is a profit-for-purpose company that holds the intellectual property, branding, and assets of the Humphrey B. Bear brand. Managed by OZPIX Entertainment, HBBE is committed to enriching the lives of children, families, and communities by providing entertaining, educational, and well-being products and services in a trillion-dollar market. HBBE’s vision is to re-establish and sustain a profitable, purpose-driven, and enduring entertainment brand.

As part of its philanthropic endeavours, HBBE supports numerous charities, including the Leukemia Foundation, that benefit from Humphrey’s role as their ‘ambassa-bear’, helping raise money and awareness.

About Income Direct

Income Direct, a fixed-income provider that entered the Australian market last financial year, has experienced strong demand for its Fixed Income Accounts from retirees and self-managed superannuation trustees seeking competitive yields.

Income Direct offers Fixed Income Accounts to clients seeking stable capital investments and competitive interest rates. Interest payments are available monthly or can be compounded, with terms ranging from 6 months to 10 years. Income Direct serves individuals, companies, SMSFs, and trusts.

As a wholly owned Australian subsidiary of Marbanc International Corporation, a global conglomerate specialising in direct investments in alternative asset classes, Income Direct is focused on scale-up opportunities and businesses with recurring income streams, thereby expanding the group’s balance sheet.

Visit www.incomedirect.com.au for more information