Animator to be first AIM listed Portuguese firm
SPORTS personality animation business Sports Stars Media (SSM) will today announce its intention to float in a move that would make it the only Portuguese AIM-listed company.
The company, which has its creation and production facilities in Portugal, is looking to go public in February 2012, raising £1.75m and giving the company a market cap of around £3.75m.
SSM aims to capitalise on its Portuguese name by launching a new animation called Mourinho and the Special Ones, which will feature a group of children who get the chance to be coached by the world-renowned Portuguese football manager.
The company has been granted exclusive rights to use José Mourinho’s image in a CGI animation series based on the manager. It is expected that other leading sports star animations will follow, as well as a range of merchandise.
SSM’s directors believe that television production costs in Portugal compare favourably with North America, where much of the competition is based.
The global market for children’s television rights was estimated at €1.2bn (£1bn) in 2010.