UNITED MEDIA SIGNS TOP SELLING TOY PROPERTY DOODLE BEAR FOR U.S. LICENSING
New York, NY (April 4, 2006) United Media, a leading independent licensing agency, today announced it has partnered with Ed Kaplan Associates, known creators of such properties as Puppy Surprise and Crystal Princess, to represent the popular Doodle Bear property in the United States. With an initial focus on complementary game and toy formats, publishing, apparel, room décor, and promotions, United Media will strategically expand on the already successful toy program of “activity plush” and related products launched in 2004 by Play Along.
Originally created in 1995 by Ed Kaplan as a unique combination of soft plush and an activity toy, Doodle Bear was an instant hit. In 2004, sensing the time was right, Play Along re-launched Doodle Bear. Known for its uncanny ability to re-launch classic retro brands, Play Along has enjoyed phenomenal success with Doodle Bear, which reached critical mass at retail in 2005. Currently in over 20,000 doors nationwide and a top seller at Wal-Mart, Toys “R” Us, and Target, the Doodle Bear line also includes Doodle Girl, Doodle Monster, Doodle Pets, and Magic Glow Doodle. In 2006 Play Along will also release Doodle Dinosaurs, Doodle Ponies, Secret Stylin’ Doodle Bear and Jumbo Doodle Bear.
“Doodle Bear is a wonderfully unique product that resonates with children on a creative, interactive level,” said Joshua Kislevitz, Senior Vice President, Domestic Licensing at United Media. “With brand awareness high and an incredible retail presence, United Media plans to build on the inherent play pattern and complement Play Along’s strong toy program.”
“Since we implemented our program in 2004, Doodle Bear’s draw is evident in the incredible retail placement we’ve received and the large volume of toys that have sold,” said David C. Gold, Vice President of Marketing for Play Along. “With kids clamoring for anything related to Doodle Bear, a more comprehensive program executed by United Media will surely flourish.”
About Play Along, Inc.,
Play Along, Inc., a division of JAKKS Pacific, Inc., manufactures, markets and distributes some of the most recognizable and popular children's toy lines in the world, including Care Bears®, Cabbage Patch Kids®, Doodle Bear™, and Sky Dancers®. 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 www.playalongtoys.com
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 and THQ are the members of THQ/JAKKS Pacific LLC, which publishes and markets WWE wrestling video games. For further information, visit www.jakkspacific.com or www.tvgames.com
About United Media
United Media (UM) is a worldwide licensing and syndication company that focuses on building brand equity around a wide range of creative content. The company recently partnered with Mary Engelbreit Studios, the business behind the popular and prolific artist and Televisa, a leading Spanish speaking media company, to represent the U.S. rights to its long-running hit television series “El Chavo.” United Media licenses and/or syndicates other properties, including Peanuts, Precious Moments, Raggedy Ann & Andy, Jakers! Arthur, Tamagotchi and Dilbert. United Media is an E.W. Scripps Company.
