Character Regulatory News (CCT)

2 Aug 2007 07:00

Character Group PLC02 August 2007 Issued on behalf of The Character Group plc, by Citigate Dewe Rogerson, BirminghamDate: Thursday 2 August 2007 Embargoed: 7.00am The Character Group plc ("Group" or "Character Group" or the "Company") Launch of "Classic Doctor Who" Range and Trading Update Character Options, the trading subsidiary of Character Group, is launching a newrange of classic Doctor Who figures in association with BBC Worldwide. The 5" figures will initially feature detailed replicas of classic Doctors, plusa number of monsters. These Doctor Who figures are part of the award winningDoctor Who range that has achieved unprecedented success. The new range will belaunched in the spring of 2008. Jon Diver, Joint Managing Director, Character Group, said: "The resoundingsuccess of the Doctor Who TV series is made up of both new and existing DoctorWho fans. We have reacted to public demand and will be producing a range whichgreatly enhances the depth and quality of our existing line. The classic licencewill broaden the collectability and enhance the position of the brand". The Directors believe that the development of the Doctor Who brand will give theGroup scope for further substantial sales growth of Doctor Who products in 2008. Group Trading Update The Group is also pleased to report that demand at retail for the Group'sproducts generally across its ranges remains robust and the Board expects thistrend to continue as retailers start to focus on the Autumn trading periodincluding Christmas. To date, Group sales and profitability remain substantially ahead of the sameperiod last year. As a result and taking account of the on-going strong demandfor our continuing lines as well as early indications on our new introductions,the Directors remain confident that the Group will at least meet current marketexpectations for the financial year ending 31 August 2007. The Group continues to build its market share and consolidate its positionwithin the toy industry. The Board continues to review its position regarding the buy back of Groupshares and will make further buy backs when it is felt to be appropriate and inthe interests of shareholders Shareholders will continue to be updated of any developments within thebusiness, as and when appropriate. Enquiries:Richard King, Chairman Fiona Tooley, Director Richard ThompsonJon Diver, Joint Managing Director Keith Gabriel, Senior Account Manager Philip DaviesThe Character Group plc Citigate Dewe Rogerson Charles Stanley SecuritiesTel: +44 (0) 20 8949 5898 Tel: +44 (0) 121 455 8370 Nominated AdviserMobile: +44 (0) 7836 250150 (RK) Mobile: +44 (0) 7785 703523 (FMT) Tel: +44 (0) 20 7149 6000 Notes to Editors:BBC Worldwide Limited is the main commercial arm and a wholly owned subsidiaryof the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). The company exists to maximisethe value of the BBC's assets for the benefit of the licence payer and invest inpublic service programming in return for rights. The company has six corebusinesses: Global Channels, Global TV Sales, Magazines, Content & Production,Home Entertainment and Digital Media. In 2005/06 BBC Worldwide generated profitsof £89 million on sales of £784 million. The Character Group plc designs, develops and distributes toys, games andgiftware, principally to the UK although it has an 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, withthe balance being derived from third party distribution. Notable product linesare Doctor Who, Scooby Doo, Biker Mice from Mars, Peppa Pig, GR8 Gear,Robosapien, Roboraptor and Robopet. For a more comprehensive view of the productportfolio, please refer to www.characteronline.comwww.thecharacter.comCCT.L: Sector: Media, AIM This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange