GLEN ELLYN, Ill., March 18 -- Racing Champions Corporation announced today that it has completed a multi-year licensing agreement with legendary motorcycle manufacturer Harley-Davidson. This new relationship allows Racing Champions to produce and market Harley- Davidson collectibles and toys for U.S. and international distribution. Racing Champions will market these products at Harley-Davidson dealerships, specialty, toy, collector and hobby stores and non-discount chain retailers.
Harley-Davidson die-cast collectibles will be positioned as a natural addition to Racing Champions well-established Ertl Collectibles(R) and American Muscle(TM) product lines and are expected to expand the Company's reach to an entirely new audience and collector base. Racing Champions also plans to introduce the Harley-Davidson preschool product line under the Ertl Preschool(TM) brand. These products will capture the excitement, adventure and fun that the Harley-Davidson brand represents for kids.
"This is a major new license for us," said Bob Dods, Racing Champions Chairman and CEO, "it's an honor to be associated with Harley-Davidson, one of the best-known companies and lifestyle brands in the world. Harley-Davidson represents an American tradition, and we're looking forward to developing an entire line-up of die-cast collectibles and toys." Dods added, "We successfully debuted some of our new Harley- Davidson products at the American International Toy Fair in New York City this past February and we plan to beginning shipping these products in the second half of this year."
Racing Champions (http://www.rcertl.com) is a leading producer and marketer of innovative collectibles and toys targeted at males of all ages. The Company's diverse product offering includes scaled die-cast replicas of John Deere agricultural equipment and NASCAR stock cars, other licensed vehicle replicas, pre-teen toys, sports trading cards, racing apparel and souvenirs, and collectible figures. These products are sold under the Company's market-focused brand names, including Racing Champions(R), Ertl(R), Ertl Collectibles(R), American Muscle(TM), AMT(R), W. Britain(R), Press Pass(R) and JoyRide Studios(TM). The Company reinforces its brands and enhances the authenticity of our products by linking them with highly recognized licensed properties including NASCAR, NHRA, John Deere, Case IH, Polaris, Honda, Caterpillar, Ford, GM, Chrysler, Texaco, Warner Brothers, Gullane Entertainment, Nintendo, Sega and Electronic Arts. The Company's products are marketed through multiple channels of distribution, including mass retailers and specialty and hobby wholesalers and retailers, OEM dealers and to corporate accounts for promotional purposes. The Company sells through more than 20,000 retail outlets located in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific.
Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the only major U.S.-based motorcycle manufacturer, produces heavyweight motorcycles and a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories and general merchandise.
