Authentic Brands Group has agreed to acquire the intellectual property of Care Bears, one of the world’s most recognizable family entertainment franchises, from IVEST Consumer Partners and Cloverlay.
The transaction, which is expected to close in the third quarter of 2026, remains subject to customary closing conditions. The acquisition strengthens Authentic’s entertainment platform by adding a character brand that aligns with its strategy of growing intellectual property through content, consumer products, live experiences and global commerce.
Originally introduced in the early 1980s as a greeting card concept, Care Bears has grown into a global entertainment franchise with more than $12 billion in lifetime retail sales. The brand features more than 100 characters, including Cheer Bear, Funshine Bear and Grumpy Bear, and reaches consumers in more than 190 countries across 26 languages.