Global brand and entertainment platform Authentic Brands Group (Authentic) has announced the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire the intellectual property for the classic family entertainment brand, Care Bears, which has a history spanning over four decades.
Originally launched as a greeting card concept in the early 1980s, the Care Bears have grown into a worldwide entertainment phenomenon, generating over $12 billion in cumulative retail sales. The brand features more than 100 distinct bears, each representing a unique emotion or sentiment, such as Cheer Bear, Funshine Bear, and Grumpy Bear. Its influence reaches consumers in over 190 countries, presented in 26 languages, and distributed across major global platforms. The brand's content ecosystem is continuously expanding to include short-form video, gaming, live experiences, and theatrical films.
Corey Salter, CEO of Authentic Entertainment, stated, "The Care Bears brand represents the gold standard in family entertainment. For 45 years, it has forged a genuine emotional connection with audiences across generations, supported by active content development, a vast network of over 500 licensing partners, and a growing base of dedicated fans. Our opportunity lies not only in safeguarding this brand and its positive message but also in integrating Care Bears into Authentic's robust platform to write the next chapter for one of entertainment's most enduring intellectual properties."
Authentic's two key divisions, Authentic Studios and Authentic Live, will take on central roles in expanding the Care Bears universe through new narratives, audience growth initiatives, and fan experiences.
Since its establishment in 2023, Authentic Studios has created novel ways for the public to engage with Authentic's portfolio of intellectual properties through content and experiences. Notable projects include the David Beckham documentary series "Beckham," the DUNKMAN dunk league founded by Shaquille O'Neal, and the concert film "EPiC: The Elvis Presley Concert." Meanwhile, Authentic Live connects brands with pivotal moments in global sports, culture, and entertainment through the execution of more than 60 events annually. These events range from large-scale ticketed experiences and exclusive VIP gatherings to forward-thinking industry networking programs.
This acquisition remains subject to customary closing conditions and is anticipated to be finalized in the third quarter of 2026.
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