Bolingbrook, IL (December 11, 2003)-Reflecting the
popularity of its JIMMIE JOHNSON die-cast replicas, apparel
and hobby products, RC2 (NASDAQ:RCRC) announced today that
it has extended the term of its licensing agreement with
JG Motorsports, Inc. for Jimmie Johnson and the Hendrick
Motorsports #48/Lowe's race team.
RC2, producer and marketer of NASCAR products since 1989
under its Racing Champions brand, will retain its exclusive
distribution rights for die-cast replicas sold at mass retail,
and also for #48 team products, including apparel, novelties,
plastic model kits and trading cards, sold at NASCAR events.
With earnings of more than $5 million in 2003 and his best
ever second-place finish in the 2003 NASCAR Winston Cup
point standings, Jimmie Johnson is a favorite with racing
fans.
According to Peter Henseler, President of RC2, "Since
Jimmie Johnson broke into the NASCAR Winston Cup Series
two years ago, we have seen his popularity among the more
than 75 million NASCAR fans grow each year. We're delighted
that we've been able to extend our licensing agreement to
include both product distribution rights as well as personal
appearances by Jimmie on behalf of RC2. He's one of NASCAR's
young stars, and we're proud to be working with him and
the entire Lowe's-Hendrick-JG team."
Jimmie Johnson noted, "RC2 was the first company to
step up and make a commitment to a significant licensing
program when I started my NASCAR Winston Cup Series career
a couple of years ago. They have been a solid partner and
I am excited that we have been able to extend and expand
our relationship. I look forward to working with RC2 and
pursuing innovative programs to deliver to our fans."
Bob Brannan, Vice President of JG Motorsports, said, "Over
the past two years, RC2 has shown a commitment to Jimmie,
Lowe's, and the Hendrick Motorsports #48 race team that
has exceeded our expectations. We view our relationship
with RC2 as a true partnership, and we look forward to continuing
to grow the partnership over the coming years."
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.
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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