BOLINGBROOK, IL-(October 6, 2003)-RC2 Corporation
(NASDAQ: RCRC), makers of high-quality collectibles, toys
and hobby products, announces that it has been awarded the
Bob the Builder license to produce a broad new line of preschool
toys under its Learning Curve brand. These product lines,
which are planned to begin shipping in 2005, will be based
on the recently announced animated TV series "The New
Adventures of Bob the Builder." This license comes
as part of HIT Entertainment's long-term plan for Bob the
Builder, announced earlier today, that is designed to continue
growth of this enduringly popular preschool property.
"We are excited to add the Bob the Builder property
to our existing line-up of highly recognized and sustainable
product lines," states Curt Stoelting, Chief Executive
Officer of RC2 Corporation. "Our new multi-year agreement
with HIT Entertainment is expected to give us terrific new
product opportunities and allows us to reach many markets
worldwide."
"Over the last 10 years we've built Thomas & Friends
into a classic boy's preschool brand," says Dick Rothkopf,
Executive Vice President of RC2 Corporation. "Now we
are thrilled to bring our vehicle and play system expertise
to bear on Bob's unique world of 'Constructive Play'."
Rothkopf continues, "The recent merger of Racing Champions
Ertl and Learning Curve gives us world-class product development
capabilities and global marketing and distribution reach.
Now, with both Thomas & Friends and Bob the Builder,
we have the content-driven franchises to leverage those
capabilites into markets around the world."
"RC2 is an ideal partner for Bob," says Charlie
Caminada, Chief Operating Officer of HIT Entertainment.
"Their efforts combined with our own TV production,
distribution and brand management capabilities ensure that
Bob will be an enduring classic enjoyed by children for
generations to come."
RC2 CORPORATION-BOB THE BUILDER
"Bob the Builder continues to be loved by kids
and parents around the world," adds Matt Bostwick,
Chief Marketing Officer, HIT Entertainment. "Our latest
research shows that he is ranked consistently number one,
two, or three among all preschool characters in awareness
and likeability among children in countries all over the
world. Bob owns a basic play pattern we call 'Constructive
Play' that is not only fun to watch and play, but teaches
kids basic life skills such as positive attitudes, problem
solving and teamwork. Bob has been one of the biggest preschool
success stories of the last 10 years. Everything we know
about him says he is a classic brand that is built to last.
This 'New Adventures of Bob the Builder' plan is designed
to keep Bob growing by giving him, his crew and some interesting
new characters, major new challenges in a new land. All
the entertainment and product platforms will be designed
to allow kids to fully participate in these new adventures
in a way they have never been able to before on Bob or any
other preschool brand."
The new TV series will be supported by significant marketing
investment, fully integrated internet "play along"
capability, publishing, toys and home entertainment. This
will be rolled out simultaneously in multiple markets including
the U.S. The new series will be produced by HOT Animation
in Manchester England.
About HIT Entertainment
Established in 1989, HIT Entertainment PLC is a fully integrated
global studio, with divisions in the UK, U.S., Canada, Germany
and Japan, including broadcast production and distribution,
video and audio sales, consumer products licensing, and
marketing. A world leader in quality family entertainment,
the company controls all rights for such acclaimed children's
properties as Angelina Ballerina, Barney®,
Bob the Builder, Kipper, Pingu and Thomas &
Friends. Rubbadubbers, a new HIT-produced
series, made its U.S. broadcast launch on Nick Jr.®
in September 2003. In the U.S. and Canada, HIT Entertainment
also distributes the popular preschool property, The
Wiggles®.
About RC2 Corporation
RC2 (www.rc2corp.com) is a leading producer and marketer
of high quality, innovative collectibles and toys targeted
at adult collectors and children, as measured by sales and
brand recognition. The Company's diverse product offerings
include: agricultural, construction and outdoor sports vehicle
replicas; automotive, high performance and racing vehicle
replicas; traditional children's toys; sports trading cards
and racing apparel and souvenirs; and collectible figures.
These products are sold under the Company's market-focused
brand names, including Racing Champions®, Ertl®,
Ertl Collectibles®, Learning Curve, American Muscle,
AMT®, W. Britain®, Press Pass®, Eden,
Feltkids® and JoyRide Studios. The Company supports
its brands and enhances the authenticity of its products
by linking them with highly recognized licensed properties
from John Deere, Harley-Davidson, HIT Entertainment, Lamaze,
Case, Polaris, Honda, Caterpillar, Ford, GM, DaimlerChrysler,
NASCAR, NHRA, Texaco, Universal Studios, Warner Brothers,
DIC Entertainment, Nintendo, Sega, Electronic Arts and Microsoft.
The Company's products are marketed through multiple channels
of distribution, including chain retailers, specialty and
hobby wholesalers and retailers, OEM dealers, corporate
accounts for promotional purposes and direct to consumers.
The Company sells through more than 20,000 retail outlets
located in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific.
RC2 CORPORATION-BOB THE BUILDER
Forward-looking Statements
Certain statements contained in this release contain "forward-looking
statements'' within the meaning of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified
by the use of forward-looking words or phrases such as "anticipate,"
"believe," "could," "expect,"
"intend," "may,'' "plans," "potential,"
"target," "should," "will,"
"could" and "would." Such forward-looking
statements are inherently subject to known and unknown risks
and uncertainties. The Company's actual results and future
developments could differ materially from the results or
developments expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking
statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to make
any revisions to the forward-looking statements contained
in this release or to update them to reflect events or circumstances
occurring after the date of this release.