Character Regulatory News (CCT)

30 Aug 2005 07:03

Character Group PLC30 August 2005 Issued by Citigate Dewe Rogerson Ltd, BirminghamDate: Tuesday, 30 August 2005 Embargoed 7.00am The Character Group plc Launch of Dr Who Range The Character Group plc, through its toy business Character Options, is set tolaunch its Dr Who range of licensed toys, which will be available from leadingretailers from the beginning of September. The toy range, based on the popular BBC TV Series Dr Who (which attracts around10 million viewers) has been developed in partnership with the BBC. Dr Who islicensed by BBC Worldwide, the consumer arm of the BBC. Character Option's toy range includes a Talking Tardis Money Box; Dr Who'sessential tool, the Sonic Screwdriver (with sound effects and UV writer); an LCDgame and 3D Walkie Talkies. However, the most famous, and proving to be the most popular, toy in the rangeis Dr Who's enemy - The Dalek. The radio controlled Dalek (which retails at£39.99) stands 12" high and speaks the legendary words "Seek, Locate andExterminate!" To complete the range there is a Dalek Battle Pack. Already, the Dr Who toy range has created excitement with retailers andconsumers. Commenting on the wide interest and demand for the toys Richard King, Chairmanof The Character Group said: "The Daleks have brought some dramatic moments in TV history to our screens. Webelieve the whole Dr Who toy range will prove to be popular with children andadults alike. "The first bulk shipment of the radio controlled Daleks will hit the storeswithin the next two weeks and, whilst the demand for all our Dr Who products isvery encouraging, we would expect that the demand for the radio controlledDalek, our lead product, will far exceed our manufacturing capacity to Christmasof 150,000 units". "We expect the Dalek to give one of our other leading products, Roboraptor, abattle for the most sought after toy for this Christmas." Enquiries:Richard King, ChairmanJon Diver, Group Marketing Director Fiona Tooley, DirectorThe Character Group plc Katie Dale, Senior Account ManagerTel: +44 (0)20 8949 5898 Gilly McClure, Account ManagerMobile: +44 (0)7836 250150 (RK) Citigate Dewe RogersonMobile: 07831 802219 (JD) Tel: +44 (0)121 455 8370www.charactergroup.plc.uk Mobile: +44 (0)7785 703523 (FMT) This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange