Sale would mix U.S.cartoons with Brits

LONDON, Dec. 14 (UPI) -- Entertainment Rights of Britain has agreed to buy U.S. rival Classic Media Holdings for $210 million, bringing ER a bevy of American cartoon heroes.

The move would give ER about 8,700 episodes of children's programs, blending Dick Tracy, the Lone Ranger, Lassie, Gerald McBoing Boing and George of the Jungle with local favorites like Postman Pat and Rupert Bear.

ER boss Mike Heap told the BBC there were plans to bring out programs that mixed British and U.S. characters. He said that the move would give ER greater U.S exposure and help it expand into markets such as China and India.