UK-based Entertainment Rights, owner of Postman Pat and Rupert Bear, reported its 2006 fiscal results this morning. Turns out, it was a very good year. The company’s operating profit shot up 36% to roughly US$20 million, while profit before tax increased by an impressive 21% to US$15.2 million.

Chairman Rod Bransgrove highlighted ER’s acquisition of US-based Classic Media and the recent purchase of publishing property Where’s Wally as reasons to be even more optimistic about the bottom line in the coming year. He also lauded the penetration of ER brands on UK networks BBC, Channel Five and ITV.

Bransgrove indicated ‘continued expansion’ was in order for fiscal ’07. Meanwhile, Postman Pat is shipping out for US delivery this fall following deal inked between Entertainment Rights and Qubo, the new net for kids ages four to eight that currently has a weekend terrestrial block on NBC, and 24/7 digital cable coverage on Telemundo and ION Networks throughout the country.

The literacy-based series consistently garners top ratings for UK pubcaster the BBC, and it will be broadcast in both English and Spanish on Qubo. The channel currently beams into more than 100 million homes and has enjoyed a 52% growth in viewership amongst kids two to 11 in the past year.