Rainbow, the independent Italian entertainment group led by Iginio Straffi, has acquired the intellectual property of iconic children’s literary character Geronimo Stilton. The acquisition will see a new era of creative and commercial development for the famous journalist mouse, whose books, written by Elisabetta Dami, have sold more than 190 million copies in more than 50 languages.

Known for its hit shows including the Winx Club animated saga, Rainbow has purchased the rights through the acquisition of shares in International Characters, owned by Elisabetta Dami, and shares in PM, owned by Pietro Marietti.

Created from an idea by Dami, Geronimo Stilton follow the adventures of Geronimo, a reluctant hero and editor of The Rodent’s Gazette, whose curiosity repeatedly draws him into extraordinary adventures filled with humour, mystery and heart. The animated TV series has also enjoyed strong international success. Alongside the main book series, a fully developed narrative universe has emerged, including the Tea Sisters, an extension of Geronimo’s world that has generated new publishing lines and opportunities, particularly those narrated by Geronimo’s sister Tea Stilton.

Rainbow said it will be seeking to develop Geronimo Stilton while preserving the essential charm of the brand and its universal values that encourage observation, exploration and learning.

“The Geronimo Stilton books have helped shape the imagination of millions of children in Italy and around the world,” said Straffi. “Welcoming this character into our family is a great honour and a great responsibility: we believe in the strength of his values and in his ability to continue to inspire young readers. Our commitment will be to support him on a growth path that can expand into new media and new forms of expression, while remaining faithful to the spirit that has made him unique.”

“I am extremely happy that my beloved Geronimo is joining the prestigious Rainbow family. I am sure he will continue to inspire his readers to discover the world and remind them of the importance of curiosity, friendship, kindness and imagination,” said Dami, the character’s creator. “Because life, with its endless adventures, is the most exciting journey we can take together! Geronimo will always be a faithful, loyal, and cheerful companion to young readers. Long live friendship, long live kindness, long live happines.!”

‘I am truly delighted by this agreement with Iginio Straffi. Since its launch in Italy in 2000, I have worked tirelessly to create what I believe to be one of the greatest publishing phenomena in the world. After millions of copies of books sold globally and over 1,700 minutes of cartoons produced, sharing innovative marketing strategies in over 170 countries around the world,” Marietti added, “Entering the Rainbow universe now means taking another leap towards new adventures and new horizons, which I will be thrilled to collaborate on.”

Rainbow already represents Geronimo Stilton globally for licensing and publishing, and the acquisition of the intellectual property will provide further growth opportunities for the character’s universe. 

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