February 2012 News

Magnet Toy Class Action Settlement

Mon, 2012-02-06 17:05 — News

Magnet Toy Class Action Settlement

NEWARK, N.J., Feb. 6, 2012 -- On December 15, 2011, the Honorable Susan D. Wigenton, U.S.D.J., granted final approval of a class action settlement in the lawsuit Chris Doering, et al. v. MEGA Brands, Inc., et al., Civil Action No. 2:08-CV-1750 (SDW) (MCA). Defendants MEGA Brands, Inc., et al. agreed to settle legal claims surrounding certain Magnet Toy products, many of which were subject to recalls instituted by MEGA Brands in cooperation with the Consumer Products Safety Commission ("C.P.S.C."). Plaintiffs in the lawsuit alleged that certain "Magnet Toys" (as defined in the parties' agreement to settle the action) contained defective magnets, and sought a refund of all monies paid. This lawsuit did not allege any personal injury claims. Defendants have denied any and all liability. However, the parties have agreed to settle the matter to avoid the expense and resources that would be needed for further litigation.

LEGO Teams with Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation

Thu, 2012-02-02 20:11 — News

LEGO Children's Fund and LEGO Systems Partner with Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation to Fight Childhood Cancer

ENFIELD, Conn., February 2, 2012 -- LEGO Children's Fund and LEGO Systems, Inc. announced today that they will partner with Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF), a non-profit organization dedicated to finding better treatments and ultimately cures for all kids with cancer. Together, the groups will seek to drive record participation in National Lemonade Days, the Foundation's national fundraising weekend, June 8-10, 2012. LEGO Systems will build the world's largest Lemonade Stand out of LEGO® bricks to kick off National Lemonade Days, location to be announced, to raise additional funds for the fight against childhood cancer.

Toy Recalls for Week of January 30, 2012

Thu, 2012-02-02 19:35 — News

February 2, 2012 - Listed below are the toy (and child-related) recalls from this week; these links go to the official announcements on the Consumer Product Safety Commission web site.

Specialized Bicycle Components Expands Recall of Bicycles Due to Fall Hazard

Play Arts Arkham Asylum, Ozark City Sharks, Bandai Japan at Big Bad Toy Store

Thu, 2012-02-02 19:24 — News

February 2, 2012 - (Sponsor Announcement) - Online retailer BigBadToyStore.com has several items of interest to collectors:

Arkham Asylum - Play Arts Series 02 listed - We've just listed two new figures from the extremely popular Play Arts line:

Armored Batman
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=SEP10316&mode=re...

Harley Quinn
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=SEP10317&mode=re...

Please note that pricing is currently $69.99 - we are waiting for pricing info from our domestic supplier, once that is confirmed, it is likely that the price will drop $5 or maybe $10.

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Warner Bros Announces 2012 Toy Fair Plans

Thu, 2012-02-02 04:26 — News

Warner Bros. Consumer Products Soars Into Toy Fair Season With Extensive Worldwide Licensing Program Supporting This Summer's Highly Anticipated Film The Dark Knight Rises

BURBANK, Calif., Feb. 1, 2012 -- The Bat-Signal has summoned "The Caped Crusader" to an adventurous Toy Fair season. Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP) is showcasing a powerful roster of global licensees in support of the studio's unparalleled portfolio of entertainment properties, led by this summer's blockbuster film The Dark Knight Rises. The epic conclusion to filmmaker Christopher Nolan's phenomenally popular Batman trilogy, The Dark Knight Rises, hits theaters July 20, 2012, and will be accompanied by a bevy of products from DC Comics master toy licensee, Mattel, and many other toy partners.

Transformers Prime, Avengers Movie, Doctor Who, Marvel Minimates at Big Bad Toy Store

Thu, 2012-02-02 03:38 — News

February 2, 2012 - (Sponsor Announcement) - Online retailer BigBadToyStore.com has several items of interest to collectors:

Hi - Here is a quick update from http://www.bigbadtoystore.com about a big
batch of exciting new preorders as well as more cool new arrivals.

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NEW PREORDERS
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THE AVENGERS MOVIE FIGURES, VEHICLES, ROLE PLAY
The whole line of "The Avengers" movie toys is now up for pre-order.
Hasbro is releasing 3.75" figures, 8" Hero figures, Mighty Battlers 6"
figures, Mini Mighty Muggs, Mission Packs, Stark Tek Assault Armors and
10" Ultimate Electronic Avengers figures. We also have listings for Stark
Tek Battle Vehicles, Battle Chargers motorcycles, Communicator Chest
lights, Hero Masks, and many of the Avengers' weapons and armor. Check
out all of the new pre-orders at the link for more information.
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/menu.aspx?menu=2842

Mattel Completes Acquisition of HIT Entertainment

Wed, 2012-02-01 03:16 — News

Mattel Completes Acquisition of HIT Entertainment
-- Includes #1 Licensed Preschool Property in the World: Thomas & Friends® --

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- February 1, 2012 -- Mattel, Inc. announced today that it completed the acquisition of HIT Entertainment from a consortium of funds led by Apax Partners for $680 million in cash. HIT Entertainment is one of the largest independent owners of preschool intellectual property, including Thomas & Friends®, Barney®, Bob the Builder®, Fireman Sam® and Angelina Ballerina®. The Company previously announced its proposed acquisition of HIT Entertainment by press release on October 24, 2011.