Character Regulatory News (CCT)

11 Oct 2006 12:51

Character Group PLC11 October 2006 Issued by Citigate Dewe RogersonDate: Wednesday 11 October 2006 IMMEDIATE RELEASE The Character Group plc ("Character") Dr Who Cyberman Mask in Top 12 listing for Christmas Toy Retailers Association ("TRA") announced this morning it has placedCharacter's Dr Who Cyberman Mask in its Hot Dozen products for Christmas 2006. In total, there are six categories, each listing 12 different products. Withinthese category listings announced by the TRA, Character has the following sixitems tipped for success: •Boys - Dr Who's Cyberman Voice Changer Helmet Dr Who's Tardis Playset •Games - Speed Stakes Carol Vorderman's My Q •Hip n Cool - K9(Dr Who's Radio Controlled Companion Dog) Roboreptile See www.toyretailersassociation.co.uk for further details on Dream Toys 2006. This acknowledgement follows on from previous successes at this year's LicensingAwards 2006, where Character not only won the category of Best Licensed Toys orGames Range but was also presented with 'The Innovation Award', which was givenin recognition of the high standards of technical achievement attained in itsDoctor Who Radio Controlled Dalek. Richard King, Chairman, The Character Group commented: "We are delighted once again that the retailers have given us such strongexposure across our ranges for this Christmas, in particular the Dr Who productswhich are achieving strong sales." Jon Diver, Character's Joint Managing Director added: "The strength of our product portfolio reflects our commitment and investment inbringing to the market what the retailer and consumer demand - high qualityinnovative products. We are delighted that we have once again made such a strongshowing overall. We expect to see this reflected in sales at retail and in thelist of best selling toys this Christmas." Enquiries:Richard King, ChairmanKiran Shah, Group Finance DirectorThe Character Group plcTel: +44 (0) 20 8949 5898www.thecharacter.com or www.character-online.com Fiona Tooley or Katie Dale, Citigate Dewe Rogerson (IR/City)Tel: +44 (0) 121 455 8370 Claire Sawkins or Andrea Jack, So-PR (Trade PR)Tel: +44 (0) 1423 359100 Doctor Who is licensed by BBC Worldwide, the commercial consumer arm of the BBC. Notes to Editors: Doctor Who: Character is the master toy licensee for Dr Who related merchandise. Character's design team has created and developed in-house a range of innovativeproducts, from the Radio-controlled Dalek to action figures and playsetsrelating to the BBC Dr Who series all of which complement the Dr Who heritage. About The Character Group plc: 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 with over 50% 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 areDr 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. During the first six months of the current financial year (ending 31 August2006), The Group underwent a major reorganisation with the disposal of itsDigital Business in February 2006. The structure is now designed to maximise thestrength of, and focus on, the core business of Toys, Games and Gifts. www.thecharacter.comCCT.LSector: Media, AIM This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange