FremantleMedia partners with Pedigree Books for first ever annuals for top entertainment brands

FremantleMedia Enterprises has tied with UK annuals publisher Pedigree Books to launch the first ever annuals for Britain's Got Talent and The X Factor. The deal was brokered for FME by Claire Potter at Metrostar.

Largely focusing on the 2009 shows, the annuals will feature up to date and behind the scenes stories aimed at their 'tween' and teenage audiences.

Pedigree Books is aiming to publish The X Factor annual to coincide with the series six live shows. It will include profiles of the finalists, plus make up, styling, fashion and clothes tips. The X Factor - which peaked with an audience of 13.5 million during series five - is continuing to attract licensees for a broad range of consumer products ranging from karaoke machines to Top Trumps and clothes lines.

Meanwhile, the Britain's Got Talent licensing programme continues to grow, boosted by the current run of the programme on ITV1.

"This deal marks a real milestone in our licensing programmes and we are delighted to be working with Pedigree Books on this venture," said Lucy McCredie, interim VP brand licensing and retail at FremantleMedia Enterprises.

"Launching an annual is a natural extension of both brands and gives them increased profile in the marketplace. We are confident that they will be extremely popular among our key target demographics."

Pedigree Books has previously published annuals for brands including Star Wars and WWE.

Geoffrey Reynolds from Pedigree Books said: "Britain's Got Talent and The X Factor are arguably the two leading entertainment programmes in the UK today. The annuals will be the must haves for Christmas and we're looking forward to working with FME to make these properties as successful in the publishing field as they are in television."

For further information, please contact Claire Potter