New York, N.Y. � October 3, 2005 � Since sweeping the nation in 1983, Cabbage Patch Kids® have been and continue to be one of the most popular and longest-lasting toys in today's market. And the magical world of Cabbage Patch is sprouting once again! This fall, children's entertainment powerhouse 4Kids Entertainment, Inc., exclusive licensing agent for the Cabbage Patch Kids, along with toy partners Play Along®, Mega Bloks Inc. and D3Publisher of America, Inc., will expand the award-winning Cabbage Patch Kids family by introducing a wide array of new products based on the one-of-a-kind Xavier Roberts creations.
Inspired by the success of the Cabbage Patch Kids (to date, over 100 million 'Kids have been adopted worldwide with nearly three million adopted in the past year alone), Play Along has delivered their newest bumper crop of adorable tiny tots -- the Cabbage Patch Kids Babies!
Just like their cute and cuddly big brothers and sisters, who triggered the holiday frenzy of 1983, each 14-inch "adoptable" Baby comes with his or her very own birth certificate, name and adoption papers, ensuring that each and every babe is as unique and diverse as the children who adopt and love them. Additionally, adoptive moms and dads will experience the magic of providing for their sweet little baby with the help of a series of realistic CPK Baby accessories -- from real diapers to baby bottles to fun toys such as rattles, teddy bears and more!
Mega Bloks has developed an assortment of building and construction play sets that incorporate the delightful Cabbage Patch Kids. Children can mix 'n match with the CPK Play Assortment and CPK Tube Assortment building sets that integrate the traditional developmental benefits and build-and-create qualities inherent in Mega Bloks construction sets. The play sets are complete with adorable figurines, snap-on yarn hair accessories, special pieces and decorated blocks, enabling kids to imitate life-like experiences while inspiring creative and imaginative fashion play.
Also to be released this fall and expanding to a whole new generation of children is the highly anticipated CPK personal computer game, "Where's My Pony," from D3PA. The Cabbage Patch Kids' first interactive adventure follows a 3-D 'Kid in reuniting with his/her lost pony. Before starting the game, players will get to choose from nine different 'Kids and four different ponies. Along the way, players will help the 'Kids solve puzzles, overcome roadblocks and discover shortcuts for an exciting adventure.
"We are very excited to welcome these innovative new Cabbage Patch Kids products into our ever-growing family," said Alfred R. Kahn, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of 4Kids Entertainment. "For more than two decades, Cabbage Patch Kids have held a special place in my heart as well as in the hearts of millions of parents and children worldwide. Considering this love for all things Cabbage Patch, it was only natural for us to continue to expand the Cabbage Patch Kids brand."
About Original Appalachian Artworks
Original Appalachian Artworks, Inc. (OAA) founded in 1978 by Cabbage Patch Kids creator, Xavier Roberts, is a privately held corporation located in Cleveland, Georgia. Owner of the world famous Cabbage Patch Kids brand and home to BabyLand General Hospital, one of Georgia's top tourist attractions, OAA also manages a wide range of other projects, while continuing to deliver hand-stitched one-of-a-kind, soft-sculpture Cabbage Patch Kids. For more information visit http://www.cabbagepatchkids.com.
About 4Kids Entertainment
Headquartered in New York City with international offices in London, 4Kids Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: KDE) is a global provider of children's entertainment and merchandise licensing. 4Kids, through its wholly owned subsidiaries, provides domestic and international merchandise licensing; television, film, music and home video production and distribution; media planning and buying; product development; and Web site development. For further information, please visit the Company's Web sites at http://www.4KidsEntertainment.com and http://www.4Kids.TV.
About Play Along, Inc.
Play Along, Inc., a division of JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (Nasdaq: JAKK), manufactures, markets and distributes some of the most recognizable and popular children's toy lines in the world, including Care Bears™, Cabbage Patch Kids®, Sky Dancers® and Doodle Bear™. The company's products can be found at mass merchant, specialty and gift retailers on a worldwide basis. For more information about the Play Along product line, visit http://www.playalongtoys.com.
About Mega Bloks
Mega Bloks creates high quality, fun and educational construction toys that inspire kids and parents to play and learn together. The MEGA BLOKS® system features basic and themed construction toys for boys and girls of all ages. Headquartered in Montreal, Mega Bloks is a global organization employing approximately 1000 people with sales in over 100 countries. For more information visit http://www.megabloks.com.
D3Publisher of America, Inc.
D3Publisher of America, Inc. is a subsidiary of D3Publisher, with headquarters in Tokyo. D3Publisher of America's strategic focus is on licensed and original titles from leading third-party developers that appeal to mass-market consumers or gaming enthusiasts. Based in Los Angeles, D3Publisher of America distributes and publishes software for personal computers and the major console platforms including Game Boy® Advance, Nintendo GameCube™, Nintendo DS™, PlayStation® game console, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, and the Xbox® video game system from Microsoft. For additional information on D3Publisher of America and its products, visit the website at http://www.d3p.us.
