RC2 To Manufacture and Market a New Line of Preschool toys

RC2 Corporation, makers of high-quality collectibles, toys and hobby products, announces that it has been awarded the Bob the Builder license to produce a broad new line of preschool toys under its Learning Curve brand. These product lines, which are planned to begin shipping in 2005, will be based on the recently announced animated TV series The New Adventures of Bob the Builder. This license comes as part of HIT Entertainment's long-term plan for Bob the Builder, announced earlier today, that is designed to continue growth of this enduringly popular preschool property.

We are excited to add the Bob the Builder property to our existing line-up of highly recognized and sustainable product lines, states Curt Stoelting, Chief Executive Officer of RC2 Corporation. Our new multi-year agreement with HIT Entertainment is expected to give us terrific new product opportunities and allows us to reach many markets worldwide.

Over the last 10 years we've built Thomas & Friends™ into a classic boy's preschool brand, says Dick Rothkopf, Executive Vice President of RC2 Corporation. Now we are thrilled to bring our vehicle and play system expertise to bear on Bob's unique world of 'Constructive Play'. Rothkopf continues, The recent merger of Racing Champions Ertl and Learning Curve gives us world-class product development capabilities and global marketing and distribution reach. Now, with both Thomas & Friends and Bob the Builder, we have the content-driven franchises to leverage those capabilites into markets around the world.

RC2 is an ideal partner for Bob, says Charlie Caminada, Chief Operating Officer of HIT Entertainment. Their efforts combined with our own TV production, distribution and brand management capabilities ensure that Bob will be an enduring classic enjoyed by children for generations to come.

RC2 CORPORATION-BOB THE BUILDER

Bob the Builder™ continues to be loved by kids and parents around the world, adds Matt Bostwick, Chief Marketing Officer, HIT Entertainment. Our latest research shows that he is ranked consistently number one, two, or three among all preschool characters in awareness and likeability among children in countries all over the world. Bob owns a basic play pattern we call 'Constructive Play' that is not only fun to watch and play, but teaches kids basic life skills such as positive attitudes, problem solving and teamwork. Bob has been one of the biggest preschool success stories of the last 10 years. Everything we know about him says he is a classic brand that is built to last. This 'New Adventures of Bob the Builder' plan is designed to keep Bob growing by giving him, his crew and some interesting new characters, major new challenges in a new land. All the entertainment and product platforms will be designed to allow kids to fully participate in these new adventures in a way they have never been able to before on Bob or any other preschool brand.

The new TV series will be supported by significant marketing investment, fully integrated internet play along capability, publishing, toys and home entertainment. This will be rolled out simultaneously in multiple markets including the U.S. The new series will be produced by HOT Animation in Manchester England.

Also see: Barbie Dolls

About The Author:

Britt Halle is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-toys.com. Find all the toys you wish you had as a kid. Fun and educational toys found here.

	Bob The Builder
RC2 To Manufacture and Market a New Line of Preschool toys