Allcroft inks with Egmont for co-prods

'Bit & Bob' first of three projects

By ERICH BOEHM

LONDON -- The Britt Allcroft Co., best known for "Thomas the Tank Engine," has sealed a three-year co-production deal with Danish media group Egmont Imagination.

The companies plan to produce three projects, the first of which is the 26-part puppet and animation series "Bit & Bob," already in progress.

Allcroft will handle TV sales, video and merchandising for all markets except Scandinavia. Egmont will control TV, vid and merchandise in Scandinavia, and publishing for the entire world (its business is primarily publishing).

Allcroft and Egmont are equal partners in the pact but no financial details were given. An Allcroft official described the budget as open-ended.

Meanwhile, Allcroft has extended its licensing deal with U.S.-based Learning Curve for "Thomas" train sets for six years to 2007. Allcroft is guaranteed $1.6 million a year.