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--COMPANY PRESS RELEASE--


RC2 CORPORATION AWARDED "BOB THE BUILDER™" LICENSE
FROM HIT ENTERTAINMENT

RC2 to manufacture and market a new line of preschool toys
under its Learning Curve brand.


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.


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