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``Mmm ... Soft'': The Simpsons Plush Dolls to Travel the World; Fox Licensing & Merchandising and Applause Announce Exclusive Agreement to Offer `Simpsons' Plush Internationally
WOODLAND HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 12, 2003--Applause, the gift and plush industry leader, and Fox Licensing & Merchandising (Fox L&M) have joined forces to launch the first ever collection of limited edition THE SIMPSONS plush dolls with exclusive international distribution rights.
The first launch, which became available in January 2003, featured talking Homer and Bart plush with collectible keychains and stands. The second wave of plush dolls spotlights the Simpsons family including Marge, Lisa and Maggie. It will also include the episodic characters of Bartman, Little Miss Springfield, and Radioactive Man. Additional characters will be released throughout 2003, surrounding key seasonal special days, including Father's Day, Halloween and Christmas, and will be available at specialty retail outlets.
"The Simpsons has one of the greatest international appeals of all time and I am extremely excited about our latest partnership with Fox since it brings The Simpsons into the plush world for the first time ever," stated Bob Solomon, Chairman and CEO of Applause, LLC. "We are in the business of making people smile, and that's exactly what we expect to see when children and adults around the world get a glimpse of our Simpsons lineup."
This unique product line will be available exclusively through Applause in the U.S.; NC Cameron in Canada; Vivid Imaginations in the UK; United Labels in France, Germany, Benelux, Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Greece; and FW Cave in New Zealand. Discussions with distributors in Australia, Latin America and Japan are expected to be completed by this Spring.
ABOUT APPLAUSE
Applause is in the business of bringing smiles to people's faces. Its high-quality, cuddly designs, treasured collectibles and licensed characters have been favorites of young and old alike for more than 25 years. Whether seasonal or year-round gifts, infant or adult, plush, puppet, novelty, or ceramic gifts ... Everyone Loves To Get Applause(R). Applause represents a portfolio of proprietary designs and other highly desirable entertainment products, including: Disney's Winnie the Pooh, Raggedy Ann(R), Snoopy(R), Nickelodeon(TM), The Simpsons(TM), National Geographic(TM), Curious George(TM), Disney Entertainment properties, Lou Rankin(TM), Lord of The Rings(TM), Mickey Mouse, and others.
ABOUT THE SIMPSONS
Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie take traditional comedy and family life and turn them upside down in FOX's critically acclaimed series, THE SIMPSONS. Voted the best show of the 20th Century by TIME magazine, THE SIMPSONS exploded into a cultural phenomenon in 1990 and remains one of the most visible and marketable properties both domestically and internationally. This Emmy Award(R)-winning series' successful entry into syndication only added to its appeal, reaching a whole new generation of fans. THE SIMPSONS is also famous for featuring celebrity guest voices such as Michelle Pfeiffer, Mel Gibson, Elizabeth Taylor, Kim Basinger, Danny DeVito and musical guests 'NSYNC, Britney Spears and Aerosmith. THE SIMPSONS, currently in production on their 14th season, will celebrate their 300th episode in February 2003.
Twentieth Century Fox Licensing and Merchandising, along with Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, comprise the retail-oriented strategic alliance of Fox Consumer Products. A recognized industry leader, Twentieth Century Fox Licensing and Merchandising licenses and markets properties worldwide on behalf of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, Twentieth Television and Fox Broadcasting Company, as well as third party lines.
CONTACT:
Applause, LLC
Tracey Rosen, 818/595-2852
or
Fox Consumer Products
Darren Kyman, 310/369-2664
SOURCE: Applause
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02/12/2003 08:01 EASTERN