Those who know him love him…

Shaun the Sheep has already acquired cult status in Germany. This fresh, witty ruminant won the children's heart across the nation with its renowned appearances in the TV production “The Programme with the Mouse“. But no less can adults elude its charm.

Altenkunstadt, 21^st March 2011. As of now, Shaun the Sheep and Shirley from the cartoon series “Shaun the Sheep“, which received numerous awards and is produced by the British Aardman Animation Studios, will romp around on German, Austrian and Swiss meadows.

Those who know him love him… Shaun the Sheep, who stands out from his herd and has a head of his own! Inquisitive, inventive and always ready for a good laugh. Usually, sheep are rather clumsy. But Shaun is different. Shaun is clever. Shaun is bold. Shaun helps other sheep when their teddy bear has been stolen or if they don't want to take a bath in cold water. And Shaun has the traits many people would like to call their own: cheeky, clever and always ready to interrupt the boredom of everyday life for an exciting adventure. The overweight Shirley, who is, by the way, four times the size of a normal sheep and appropriately soft is joining him.

Fun Products in Typical Shaun and Shirley Design for Big and Small

Witty Shaun with his cuddly soft fur typical of NICI is available in different sizes and variations, just like sturdy Shirley. They accompany children and adults as 10 cm tall bean bags with a keyring. Simply attach them to a key, bag, rucksack or school bag – and Shaun and Shirley are always one of the party. The two of them are also very clinging – as MagNICIs they stick to all metal surfaces. Whether lying, standing or as dangling plush, Shaun is available in five different sizes  – from 15 cm to 50 cm – Shirley in three sizes.

Those who like it especially cuddly and comfortable will instantly fall in love with the two cushions. Shaun faithfully looks at his owner from a square plush cushion. Shirley, on the other hand, with her massive bulk is the softest and thickest sheep cushion in the whole of the sheep universe.

In the product segment gift articles and accessories, a large “sheepy“ plush shoulder bag with Shaun's head wins over and accompanies you to the office or school and everywhere in your spare time.

A funny plush pencil case displaying Shaun the Sheep in a lying position as well as the witty cellphone pouch and the purse made of black plush will provoke cries of excitement when unwrapped. Photos are displayed in true style with a cool Shaun photo holder and the popular, trendy NICI Beauties are also of course available as Shaun and Shirley.

For more information please refer to www.nici.de and www.wdr-mediagroup.com

Shaun gave his debut in 1995 in the “Oscar“ awarded short film “Wallace & Gromit: A Closer Shave“. It was produced with small plastic figures in the studios of “Aardman Animations“. In the spring of 2007, the first German TV station showed the premiere of the TV series which made the sheep from the movie the titular character. Shaun quickly won a large fan community worldwide. The German TV series “The Programme with the Mouse“ can hardly be imagined without him anymore. In this country, the series has been sold on DVD over one million times. In 2008,  “Shaun the Sheep“ was awarded with the renowned television prize, the “International Emmy“. The WDR mg licensing has been serving as the licensing agency for the series “Shaun the Sheep“ since 2007. WDR Editor: Brigitta Mühlenbeck.

The NICI GmbH is one of the leading manufacturers of plush and gift articles for the entire family worldwide. Apart from famous brands such as Jolly Mäh and Wild Friends, the extensive product portfolio also regularly includes seasonal product novelties. The company, which is based in Altenkunstadt in Upper Franconia in Germany, was founded in 1986 and currently employs more than 400 members of staff worldwide. The name NICI signifies highest quality, safety and appealing designs. The products of the NICI GmbH are available in more than 3.000 shops in Germany, including 32 special NICI shops, and are sold in more than 60 countries worldwide by our partners. More detailed information is available under: www.nici.de

Press contact:

NICI GmbH – Langheimer Str. 94 – D-96264 Altenkunstadt, Germany

Ralph Steinert – Tel.: +49 (0) 9572 / 72 20 460 – Fax: +49 (0) 9572 / 72 20 469

Oliver Benthin – Tel.: +49 (0) 9572 / 72 20 465 – Fax: +49 (0) 9572 / 72 20 469

E-Mail: presse@nici.de

Printing free of charge – Specimen copy requested