FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For additional information, please contact:
Nancy Bailey & Associates, Inc.
Ilana Wilensky
P: (678) 352-1000
F: (678) 352-9222
ilana@baileylicensing.com
PAAS® and Russ Berrie Collaborating on an “Egg-Citing” New Licensing Partnership
Atlanta, GA – May 29, 2008 – Every year, kids participate in two wonderful Easter traditions –decorating eggs with PAAS® dye kits and playing with Easter-themed plush animals from Russ Berrie. These two leading brands come together next Easter through a licensing arrangement brokered by licensing agency, Nancy Bailey & Associates, Inc., to launch a line of PAAS branded Easter plush and collectibles.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Russ Berrie to extend our popular PAAS brand. We have a wonderful group of sweet, lovable characters that are perfect for plush,” said Jim Schneider, President and CEO of Signature Brands, LLC.
Russ Berrie will launch a collection of PAAS® plush, gifts and collectibles based on PAAS® characters: Cotton™ the rabbit, Feathers™ the duck, Lollichop™ the lamb and all their delightful friends. The entire PAAS® line by Russ Berrie will launch in time for Easter 2009.
Bruce Crain, President and CEO of Russ Berrie & Company, Inc. said, “In today’s high tech world, RUSS® is pleased to partner with PAAS® and offer ways to help families enjoy simple traditions. The fun of filling Easter baskets with colored eggs, candy and plush are memories that last a lifetime. Our partnership with PAAS® will add another dimension to our Spring plush collection".
About Russ Berrie
Russ Berrie and Company, Inc. and its subsidiaries engage in the design, development and distribution of branded products through its Infant & Juvenile segment and Gift segment. Its design-led products are sold primarily through mass market, toy, specialty, food, drug and independent retailers worldwide.
The Gift segment encompasses seasonal and everyday plush and other gift products. The Gift segment markets its products primarily under the RUSS® and APPLAUSE® brand names and also produces product in select markets and categories under licenses that include Shining Stars®, Raggedy Ann™, Curious George™, Simpsons™ and a variety of other well-recognized trademarks.
The Infant & Juvenile segment sells its products under the Sassy® and KidsLine® brand names and select private label programs. The Kids Line division designs and markets infant bedding and related nursery accessories. The Sassy division offers products and collections such as infant development toys, teething, feeding, bathing and baby care products. The businesses also license brands for select categories and markets including Disney®, Leap Frog™ and Carter’s®. In April 2008, the Company expanded its Infant & Juvenile business through the acquisitions of LaJobi Industries, Inc and CoCaLo, Inc. LaJobi is a leading designer, manufacturer, marketer and distributor of branded infant furniture and related products. LaJobi also licenses brands such as Graco® for cribs and Serta® for crib mattresses. CoCaLo is a leading manufacturer and distributor of infant bedding and accessory products under the brands of CoCaLo Baby, CoCaLo Couture and Baby Martex®.
About Signature Brands and PAAS®:
Signature Brands manufactures, markets and distributes the Cake Mate® and Betty Crocker® brands of dessert decorating products worldwide. In 1999, they acquired the PAAS® Easter Egg Decorating Company from Schering-Plough. PAAS® Dye Company was founded in 1880 in Newark, New Jersey. Today, more than 10 million PAAS® egg decorating kits are sold in the United States during the Easter season. Signature Brands is located in Ocala, Florida.
About Nancy Bailey & Associates:
Nancy Bailey & Associates, Inc. is a full-service licensing agency specializing in developing and managing corporate trademark licensing programs for America’s top brands. Headquartered in Atlanta, Nancy Bailey & Associates has been a leader in brand extension licensing for over two decades, cultivating long-term relationships with clients and creating innovative consumer products through high-quality partners. The company offers a comprehensive, turnkey licensing representation program as well as specialized consulting services customized to meet the clients’ needs. For more information, please visit www.baileylicensing.com.