GLEN ELLYN, Ill., Feb. 26 -- Racing Champions announced today that it has entered into a multiple-year licensing agreement with Dr. Seuss Enterprises to produce a wide variety of toys based on characters from such world-famous Dr. Seuss books such as The Cat in the Hat, Horton Hears a Who!, Green Eggs and Ham, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The new products planned include plastic and die-cast vehicles, and radio-controlled vehicles, with the first release slated for Fall 2002.
According to Peter Henseler, President of Racing Champions, "We're all excited about working with Dr. Seuss Enterprises to translate these incredibly rich properties into unique toys that incorporate whimsical action. Dr. Seuss is a worldwide phenomenon -- over half a billion of his books have been sold in 95 countries and generations have grown up with his wacky, wonderful characters. This new license fits into our strategy of being first to market with innovative collectibles and toys, and we are looking forward to introducing Dr. Seuss's characters in an entirely new medium."
The Company plans to market the products through multiple channels of distribution, including specialty toy, and non-discount chain retailers.
Racing Champions (www.rcertl.com) is a leading producer and marketer of innovative collectibles and toys sold in multiple channels of distribution and available at more than 20,000 retail outlets. The company sells Racing Champions� NASCAR and NHRA die-cast racing replicas, souvenirs and apparel; American Muscle(TM) collectible die-cast vehicle replicas; officially licensed die-cast and preschool products based on automobiles, trucks, agricultural, heavy equipment, and powered recreational and sport vehicles under the Ertl� brand; AMT� model kits; Press Pass� trading cards; and, under the direction of its JoyRide Studios(TM) group, video game figures and vehicles. High-profile licensing partners include NASCAR, NHRA, John Deere, Case IH, Polaris, Honda, Caterpillar, Ford, GM, DaimlerChrysler, Texaco, and Warner Brothers.
