American Greetings Expands Licensing Reach Of Care Bears

American Greetings Properties, the intellectual property and outbound licensing division of American Greetings Corporation, continues to expand the international footprint of CARE BEARS across the globe with a slate of new deals in key territories. Through a partnership with Spain-based retail giant Oysho, American Greetings Properties recently launched CARE BEARS classic apparel at all Oysho stores worldwide. Additionally, American Greetings Properties has entered into several new entertainment and licensed merchandise deals worldwide, further expanding the presence of the CARE BEARS brand.

Oysho, one of the world's leading fashion retailers in women's apparel and accessories, recently launched a line of Classic CARE BEARS apparel and accessories in stores throughout Europe, the Middle East and South America. The CARE BEARS product line at Oysho includes t-shirts, sleepwear, undergarments, intimate wear, swimwear, causal outerwear, pants, dresses, skirts, footwear and a full assortment of original accessories. To help launch the program, CARE BEARS costumed characters spread hugs and cheer with appearances at Oysho stores in Spain during the week of the launch. The CARE BEARS product line will be available in all of Oysho's 362 stores in 23 countries through June 2009.

In addition to the partnership with Oysho, American Greetings Properties has recently signed new entertainment and licensed product deals for the CARE BEARS in major territories worldwide.

CARE BEARS entertainment will be broadcast in more than 150 territories worldwide including Italy, Germany, Middle East, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, Poland, Japan and Southeast Asia. The earliest broadcast started October 25, 2008 in France. New broadcast partners include: KIKA (Germany), France 5 (France); PIWI (France); Al Jazeera Children's Channel (Middle Eastern Territories), Hop! (Israel), SABC (South Africa, Sub Sahara Africa), Cartoon Network (Pan-Asia) and Alter TV (Greece).

In Europe, new partnerships include:
-- Fipo Group Aps introduced a new line of CARE BEARS children's and adult apparel throughout Germany, Austria and Switzerland
-- D'arpeje in France will debut CARE BEARS toys and ride-ons in April 2009.
-- In the U.K., Branded Clothing launched a Vintage Apparel Collection this winter, and Aykroyds will launch a new sleepwear collection summer/fall 2009.

In Asia, American Greetings Properties has signed on several licensees for a variety of CARE BEARS apparel and stationary product lines, including:
-- Shanghai Joint Force recently kicked off branded housewares in China.
-- Seggan Taiwan has rolled out stationary throughout Taiwan.
-- Sterling Paper Products will be launching a variety of branded stationary throughout the Philippines in spring 2009, including notebooks, stickers, pencil cases, book covers, journals and photo albums.
-- New Urban Male.com will roll out a number of adult vintage apparel items for men and women throughout Singapore in spring 2009, including t-shirts, tank tops, boxers and flip flops.

In South America, the following new licensees will be introducing a number of CARE BEARS products:
-- Editorial Vertice will release activity and coloring books in spring 2009 throughout Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Chile.
-- Deomar Editora is set to launch stickers and sticker albums in March 2009 throughout Brazil.

New CARE BEARS partnerships for Australia and New Zealand include:
-- Apparel House (New Zealand) recently rolled out new girls infant wear, including body suits and jackets, as well as junior girls hats.
-- Casco Blue's newly introduced line of pajamas is hitting stores throughout New Zealand and Australia.
-- Apparel House Design & Supply (New Zealand) also recently debuted a new line of apparel and accessories.
-- Vita New Zealand Limited recently released a number of cot, mattresses, nursery items and boosters for the younger generation of CARE BEARS fans.