American Greetings Properties Names Hasbro Master Toy Licensee for
its Two Iconic Brands
Brand New Look for Strawberry Shortcake to Launch in Conjunction
with Release of Toy Line
NEW YORK--(Business Wire)--
It's a homecoming for Care Bears and Strawberry Shortcake!
American Greetings Properties (AGP), the intellectual property and
outbound licensing division of American Greetings Corporation (NYSE:
AM), today announced Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE: HAS) as the new master toy
licensee worldwide for both Care Bears and Strawberry Shortcake
effective January 2009.
Kenner, which became part of Hasbro in 1991, was the original toy
partner for both brands when they first launched in the 1980's.
Following the relaunches of Care Bears and Strawberry Shortcake in
2002 and 2003 respectively, the brands continue to be extremely
popular today, having garnered nearly $5 billion in retail sales
worldwide.
To continue to fuel the growth of Strawberry Shortcake, American
Greetings Properties is creating a whole new look for the berry sweet
characters and the world they live in will be completely re-imagined
for a new generation of girls. Inspired by publishing programs of the
80's, the spunky red-haired Strawberry Shortcake and friends will be
small in scale but big on adventure, friendship, fashion, and fun with
more fantasy infused throughout. The new line of strawberry-scented
toys is scheduled to hit shelves in Fall 2009. All-new Strawberry
Shortcake entertainment includes a CGI movie and DVD release,
premiering in Fall 2009. Additional DVDs and a new television series
are also in production.
The Care Bears, who celebrated their 25th anniversary in 2007 with
a whole new look, have exciting changes as well. Enhanced belly badge
magic and new features in their land of Care-A-Lot will continue their
mission of teaching caring and sharing to preschoolers. The new Care
Bears toy line will be part of Hasbro's Playskool(R) brand and will
feature the new look of the Care Bears from the animated series, "Care
Bears: Adventures in Care-A-Lot," which airs during the KEWLopolis on
CBS block. The toy line will debut in Fall 2009. An all-new CGI movie
and DVD release also premieres in Fall 2009.
"Both Care Bears and Strawberry Shortcake have a strong history
with Hasbro, and we are thrilled to be working with them on our two
biggest classic brands," said Tamra Knepfer, Senior Vice President,
Consumer Products, American Greetings Properties. "Hasbro has
unparalleled experience leveraging evergreen franchises with toy lines
at retail and we are incredibly excited about the innovation,
marketing, and retail presence that this alliance brings to both
brands as we look to grow both here in the U.S. and around the world."
"We are very happy to welcome Strawberry Shortcake and Care Bears
home to Hasbro," said Sharon John, General Manager of Toy Marketing,
Hasbro Toys. "We look forward to working with AGP to build on the
strong foundations of both brands. Our strategy includes incorporating
new technology for breakthrough, adorable Care Bears plush, plus
introducing a new line of Strawberry Shortcake toys including small
dolls to little girls everywhere."
Hasbro will be developing a full line of toys for Care Bears and
Strawberry Shortcake, including plush, dolls, play sets, games,
puzzles and figures, as well as introducing new categories.
About American Greetings Properties
American Greetings Properties (AGP) is the intellectual property
and outbound licensing division of American Greetings Corporation.
Built upon the successful re-launches of Care Bears and Strawberry
Shortcake licensed products, which have garnered nearly $5 billion in
retail sales worldwide combined since 2002, AGP develops
multi-platform campaigns for its properties through digital media,
entertainment, marketing and merchandising. In addition to Care Bears
and Strawberry Shortcake, AGP's active classic brands include Holly
Hobbie and Madballs, as well as new properties Sushi Pack, Twisted
Whiskers, Maryoku Yummy and TinPo. Children can experience AGP online
at www.agkidzone.com. For more information on AGP, visit
www.agpbrands.com
About American Greetings Corporation
American Greetings Corporation (NYSE: AM) is one of the world's
largest manufacturers of social expression products. Along with
greeting cards, its product lines include gift wrap, party goods,
stationery, calendars, ornaments and electronic greetings. Located in
Cleveland, Ohio, American Greetings generates revenue of approximately
$1.8 billion. For more information on the Company, visit
http://corporate.americangreetings.com.
About Hasbro
Hasbro (NYSE: HAS) is a worldwide leader in children's and family
leisure time entertainment products and services, including the
design, manufacture and marketing of games and toys ranging from
traditional to high-tech. Both internationally and in the U.S., its
PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, TIGER and WIZARDS
OF THE COAST brands and products provide the highest quality and most
recognizable play experiences in the world.
DAN KLORES COMMUNICATIONS
Karen Silberg or Kas Rigas
212-685-4300
Karen_Silberg@dkcnews.com
Kas_Rigas@dkcnews.com
Copyright Business Wire 2008
