Product Launch

9 Dec 2005 07:01

Hornby PLC09 December 2005 HORNBY SECURES EXCLUSIVE WORLDWIDE SLOT RACING RIGHTS TO A1 GRAND PRIX Hornby Plc ("Hornby"), the models and collectables group, has announced that ithas secured the exclusive worldwide distribution rights of A1 Grand Prix toproduce a range of slot car racing products, under its Scalextric brand. A1Grand Prix is the new format of motorsport pitting teams from twenty-fivenations in direct competition with each other. The teams drive cars that aretechnically identical. Global interest in the new A1 Grand Prix series, the World Cup of Motorsport hasbeen extremely strong. The twelve races are staged all over the world and arefollowed by a global television audience. The populations of the twenty fivenations competing, represent 80% of the world's population. The A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Dubai Autodrome, UAE takes place over the weekend of 9-11 December. Hornby has secured the exclusive global rights to distribute A1 Grand Prix slotracing merchandise until the end of 2008. It expects to launch a range of slotcars in national liveries and a number of complete Scalextric racing setsfeaturing two or more cars from local nations. Hornby expects sales to commencein mid-2006. Frank Martin, Chief Executive of Hornby commented, " A1 Grand Prix is the most exciting development in motorsport in recent years,pitting nation against nation on a level playing field. This exclusive globallicense with A1 Grand Prix is an excellent opportunity for Scalextric. Given theglobal reach of this new, exciting motorsport format, it is rapidly gaining avery large following in many nations that are increasingly attracted tointernational motorsport. " There are excellent opportunities for us to extend our distribution footprintoutside our traditional Western markets to new countries such as China, Indiaand Pakistan, each of which has its own A1 Grand Prix team. " As awareness of A1 Grand Prix grows around the world we are confident that wecan build on the successful distribution model we have established in the UK andEurope, to expand into new markets." * High resolution images are available for the media by contacting Andrew Harris of cityPROFILE. -ends- Date: 9 December 2005For further information contact: Hornby Plc cityPROFILEFrank Martin, Chief Executive Simon CourtenayJohn Stansfield, Finance Director Andrew Harris01843-233500 020-7448-3244www.hornby.com or www.scalextric.com This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange