DreamWorks Animation Bidding for 'Bullwinkle,' 'Lassie,' 'Postman Pat' (Report)

DreamWorks Animation is bidding $150 million to acquire Classic Media which owns such characters as Casper the Friendly Ghost, Where’s Waldo, Lassie, The Lone Ranger, Postman Pat and George of the Jungle, according to a report Monday by The New York Times.

our editor recommends

USC to Host Exhibit of DreamWorks Animation Production Art

DreamWorks Animation Unveils N.J. Theme Park Plans Amid Protests From NFL's Giants, Jets

Comic-Con 2012: Dreamworks Readies 'Kung Fu Panda 3,' 'Madagascar' Spinoff

Classic Media, with offices in New York, Tennessee and London, was formed in 2000 to acquire media properties. It’s portfolio includes Golden Books entertainment, United Productions of America, Harvey Entertainment, Gold Key, Big Idea Entertainment and Entertainment Rights among more than 3,600 hours of programming in its library.

PHOTOS: 10 Inappropriately Sexy Cartoon Characters

They also own 80 percent of the Jay Ward properties such as Rocky & Bullwinkle, with the rest owned by his estate.

According to the Classic Media website, their programming is currently distributed in 170 territories worldwide, in multiple platforms including movies, TV, home video, digital, music and publishing.

These properties could provide a whole new group of characters for DreamWorks Animation not just for movies and TV, but also to bolster their consumer products offerings.

However, some of the content is also owned in part by others or already licensed. For instance, the Lone Ranger is currently being made into a big budget movie at Disney.

STORY: USC to Host Exhibit of DreamWorks Animation Production Art

The New York Times said DreamWorks Animation’s stock is down 8 percent over a year ago, even though their latest movie release, Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted, has already grossed over $461 million worldwide.

DreamWorks Animation declined to comment on “rumors” and Classic Media did not immediately return calls for comment.