Character Regulatory News (CCT)

13 Feb 2007 09:36

Character Group PLC13 February 2007 Issued on behalf of The Character Group plc by Citigate Dewe Rogerson Date: Tuesday 13 February 2007 Immediate Release The Character Group plc Pan-European Master Toy Contract signed by Character Group and BKN for DORK HUNTERS FROM OUTER SPACE The Character Group ("Character" or "the Company or Group") announces that ithas signed a pan-European master toy contract with BKN New Media Ltd, a whollyowned subsidiary of BKN International AG ("BKN") relating to the animated actioncomedy series, DORK HUNTERS FROM OUTER SPACE. At this stage, the license will cover all standard "master toy" products, suchas basic plush; feature plush; action figures; toy vehicles and accessories;play-sets; activity, arts & crafts; interactive toys; board-games; toy writingand school instruments; toy accessories including lipstick and make-up. Commenting on the deal, Jon Diver, Joint Managing Director at The CharacterGroup said: "DORK HUNTERS FROM OUTER SPACE is poised to capture European viewers and we lookforward to rolling out our pan-European toy product line that reflects the funand creative characters within the show. We envisage a full European roll-out inlate summer 2008 and we see DORK HUNTERS FROM OUTER SPACE as a strategiccornerstone for our extensive branding initiatives." The master toy license is part of two new major TV broadcast deals with GMTV inthe United Kingdom and RTL II in Germany announced earlier today (13 February2007) by BKN International AG ("BKN") relating to its wholly owned UK subsidiaryBKN New Media Ltd. GMTV has acquired two seasons, totaling 36 all-new episodesof DORK HUNTERS FROM OUTER SPACE and is set to premiere the animated actioncomedy series on free -TV GMTV1 from 2008 whilst RTL II has confirmed that DORKHUNTERS FROM OUTER SPACE is set to launch on free-TV RTL II in late 2007. Nicola Andrews, Sales Director, BKN New Media added: "The broadcast of DORKHUNTERS FROM OUTER SPACE in the UK and Germany reflect a key component of ourEuropean marketing strategy. GMTV and RTL II provide exceptional broadcastplatforms for the series while Character Group is the obvious choice as ourlicensing partner in Europe." Enquiries: Richard King, Chairman Fiona Tooley, DirectorKiran Shah, Group Finance Director & Joint MD Katie Dale, Senior Account Manager Claire SawkinsThe Character Group plc Citigate Dewe Rogerson SO PRTel: +44 (0) 20 8949 5898 Tel: +44 (0) 121 455 8370 Tel: +44 (0) 1423 359100Mobile: +44 (0) 7836 250150 (RK) Mobile: +44 (0) 7785 703523 (FMT) Mobile: +44 (0) 7831 452012Mobile: +44 (0) 7956 278522 (KS) www.thecharacter.com Notes to Editors: The Character Group plc designs, develops and distributes toys, games andgiftware, principally to the UK although it has an ever increasing exposure tointernational markets. Revenues are generated from a mix of product ranges with over 70% designed anddeveloped in-house either under the Group's own brand or under licence with thebalance being derived from third party distribution. Notable product lines areDoctor Who, Scooby Doo, Biker Mice from Mars, Peppa Pig, GR8 Gear, Robosapien,Roboraptor and Robopet. For a more comprehensive view of the product portfolio,please refer to www.characteronline.com. www.thecharacter.com CCT.L: Sector: Media, AIM BKN International AG is a global animation company engaged in the distributionand marketing of animated children's television programmes and the marketing ofrelated consumer products (licensing and merchandising) in all forms. BKN hasworked on numerous successful animation projects. The Company is currently listed on the Deutsche Bourse and AIM and it operatesall over the world. BKN has successfully negotiated distribution deals in over95 countries and territories in the children's programming market. The Company's Film Library includes: - Legend of the Dragon - Robin Hood- Kong - The Animated Series - Zorro: Generation Z- Kong - King of Atlantis - Roswell Conspiracies- Kong - Return to the Jungle - Dork Hunters from Outer Space- A Christmas Carol - Jungle Book DORK HUNTERS FROM OUTER SPACE (36 x 22') is BKN's latest animated action comedy.The series follows the adventures of school-mates Mac, Nikki, Romeo, and theirearthbound friends Eddie and Angie, as they take on the nastiest, interplanetaryvillains ever to hide out on Planet Earth - The Dorks. Who knew that a wrongturn at Saturn would result in one of the funniest animated action showsdestined to grace the television screens of this, or any other planet? That's right...you know them...you've seen them...you've smelled their breath!Dorks are among us and they are everywhere! Sound like enough for a group ofteens to handle? Then consider that our heroes must save the galaxy whilestruggling to cope with life as average teenagers in beautiful Paramus, NewJersey. And, oh yes, they take their orders from a ...goldfish! Starting to getthe picture? This is Rick Ungar's funniest creation for kids to date. www.dorkhunters.com This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange