The Jim Pattison Group, owner of Ripley Entertainment, has acquired the rights to Guinness World Records (GWR) from UK-based HiT Entertainment.

First published in 1955, GWR has developed its annual book of quirky records into an international phenomenon published in more than 100 countries and 37 languages.

According to a statement from JPG, the newly acquired rights will be operated under Ripley Entertainment, which has held the global rights to develop and operate Guinness World Records museums and attractions for over a decade.

There are currently six Guinness World Record attractions in four countries, including Tokyo, Japan, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, Hollywood, California, San Antonio, Texas, and Gatlinburg, Tennessee, in the US and in Copenhagen, Denmark.

According to Jim Pattison Jr, president of Ripley Entertainment, there is substantial demand around the world for new Guinness World Records.

He said: “Guinness World Records is an iconic brand, and we are delighted to have been given the opportunity by HIT Entertainment to add this global leader in world records to our Group.

“No other enterprise collects, confirms, accredits and presents world record data with the same investment in comprehensiveness and authenticity. The coming together of Guinness World Records and Ripley’s Believe It or Not! creates an historic combination of the world-leading authorities on records and record-breaking, and all that is unbelievable.”

Ripley Entertainment has a portfolio of more than 60 visitor attractions that attract 13 visitors each year.

There are now 30 Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museums (also called Odditoriums), with a new, 25,000 square foot, state-of-the-art museum scheduled to open in London’s iconic Trocadero in August 2008. Further sites are also set to open this year in Bangalore, India and Vera Cruz, Mexico.

The Jim Pattison Group (JPG) is Canada’s third largest private company with sales of over $6.3 bn (4.27bn euro, £3.21bn) and over 29,000 employees.

HIT Entertainment, owned by private equity investment group Apax Partners, is an independent children’s entertainment producer which owns the rights to a portfolio of characters ncluding Bob the Builder, Thomas & Friends, Pingu, Fireman Sam, Angelina Ballerina and Rainbow Magic.