MALIBU, Calif. -- Nov. 17, 2005 -- JAKKS Pacific, Inc. has signed a licensing agreement with the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) and the organization's worldwide licensing and marketing agent 4Kids Entertainment, Inc. to develop pet products based on the Cat Fanciers' Association brand. The agreement covers products marketed under JAKKS' new pet division, JPI™.
The initial line of products, which includes toys, food, treats, apparel, carriers and beds for cats and kittens, is expected to ship to retailers nationwide in 2006.
"As the world's largest cat registry, cat lovers worldwide trust the Cat Fanciers' Association name and know that they will be choosing the best for their cats when they purchase CFA-branded products," said Jack Friedman, CEO, JAKKS Pacific, Inc. "In the process of expanding our JPI Pets division and its offerings, JAKKS seeks to align with the best in the business. We look forward to launching Cat Fanciers' Association pet products in the coming year."
"With over 90 million owned cats in the U.S., these pet products are a natural extension of CFA's reach," said Alfred R. Kahn, Chairman and CEO of 4Kids Entertainment. "This partnership with JAKKS Pacific will focus on capturing a large consumer base that wants to provide the very best products for their cats. CFA-branded products will offer consumers a feline seal of approval based on their 99-year-history and expertise."
To bring nature into a cat's home, the upcoming line of Cat Fanciers' Association-branded toys will be modeled after cats' favorite wildlife prey. From dragonflies to spiders to little chipmunks and moles, the ultra-realistic products will keep furry felines occupied as they hunt, watch, stalk and bat around the toys. The food and treats will be made from all-natural, premium ingredients designed to entice even the finickiest of eaters, while helping to maintain a healthy coat, eyes, digestive and urinary tract. Other accessories, including scratchers, beds, perchers and apparel, will truly pamper cats, allowing them to relax and cat nap in style.
Pam DelaBar, Cat Fanciers' Association, added: "Cat Fanciers' Association has a large, worldwide following, and the CFA brand translates perfectly into a variety of cat products. We are excited to expand the brand with the innovative and quality products, such as cat toys, snacks and treats, that JPI offers."
About Cat Fanciers' Association
Founded in 1906, The Cat Fanciers' Association, Inc. (CFA) is a global organization dedicated to promoting the welfare of ALL cats. The CFA, headquartered in Manasquan, N.J., is responsible for the world's largest registry of pedigreed cats and preserving the uniqueness and beauty of the 41 breeds of cats. The CFA promulgates the rules for the management of cat shows and promotes the interest of breeders and exhibitors of cats. To learn more about the Cat Fanciers' Association, the 41 pedigreed breeds or to learn about the nearest show, visit www.cfa.org.
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 www.4KidsEntertainment.com and www.4Kids.TV.
About JAKKS Pacific, Inc.
JAKKS Pacific, Inc. is a multi-brand company that designs and markets a broad range of toys and consumer products. The product categories include: Action Figures, Art Activity Kits, Stationery, Writing Instruments, Performance Kites, Water Toys, Sports Activity Toys, Vehicles, Infant/Pre-School, Plush, Construction Toys, Electronics, Dolls and Pet Toys and Accessories. The products are sold under various brand names including JAKKS Pacific®, Play Along®, Flying Colors®, Road Champs®, Child Guidance®, Pentech®, Trendmasters®, Toymax®, Funnoodle®, Go Fly a Kite®, Color Workshop®, JPI™ and Plug It In & Play TV Games™. JAKKS also participates with THQ Inc. in a joint venture that has worldwide rights to publish and market World Wrestling Entertainment video games. For further information, visit www.jakkspacific.com or www.tvgames.com.