The company behind The Tweenies, Tell-Tale Productions Limited, has been sold for £3.1 million.

The company has been purchased by UK media company, Entertainment Rights. The purchase brings The Tweenies into the same stable as other hit children's formats including Postman Pat and Basil Brush.

Mike Heap, chief executive of Entertainment Rights said, "This is a significant acquisition."

"With the combination of Tell-Tale's strong creative talent and ER's strength and expertise in television and video distribution, licensing, merchandising and brand management, the combined company will be a formidable force in the worldwide kids market.

"The Tweenies have sold more than three million videos in Britain alone and have even scored a Top 10 hit single."

The Tweenies, shown in the UK on the BBC, is shown in 70 countries.