Toymax 'Clicks' With World Wrestling Federation to Create WWF Slam Cam Digital Camera; Digital Camera and Compatible Imaging Software by MGI Extends Toymax WWF Product Line
PLAINVIEW, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 21, 1999--Toymax Inc., a wholly owned
subsidiary of Toymax International, Inc. (NASDAQ:TMAX), today announced an exclusive
licensing agreement with World Wrestling Federation Entertainment, Inc. to manufacture
WWF digital cameras.
Through a strategic alliance with MGI Software Corp. (TSE:MGI), the leading developer
of PC photography software for consumers, Toymax will be creating WWF CD-ROM imaging
software to accompany the digital camera.
The WWF Slam Cam(TM) digital camera system allows wrestling fans of all ages to
effortlessly capture digital photos and then utilize the software to combine their
personal photographs with exciting, specially designed WWF content.
All users need do to "picture themselves as members of the WWF" is simply connect the
camera to the PC and load the software. In a few easy steps, they can put themselves in
World Wrestling Federation scenes, place their heads on their favorite wrestlers' bodies,
and create personalized WWF memorabilia such as sport cards, greeting cards, and
calendars.
These creations can then be printed out on a home color printer or shared through
email. In addition, users can generate photo slide shows, or apply creative special
effects and interactive warps. The WWF Slam Cam will come complete with the Photo
Slam(TM) software and a PC connector cable and will retail for approximately $60 at
computer, toy and specialty retail outlets this fall.
"With the WWF digital camera system, we are allowing consumers to connect to the PC
and utilize their creativity with digital imaging, while enjoying the stars, theme music
and sound effects from the WWF," said Steven Lebensfeld, president of Toymax. "We are
continuing to move Toymax forward to extend our consumer product lines and our channels
of distribution with the hottest licensed products and the most up-to-date technology. We
have been aggressively pursuing other high-profile licenses and alliances that will allow
us to expand our product offerings and leverage Toymax's creativity and solid position in
the children's consumer product industry."
This past February, Toymax announced an initial licensing agreement with Titan Sports
to create a diversified line of candy products through its new candy division, Candy
Planet. The products, previewed at The American International Toy Fair in February, were
shown at the National Candy Expo in Chicago, June 20 - 24 and are currently available at
retailers nationwide.
About Toymax
Toymax (www.toymax.com) is a children's consumer products company that creates,
designs and markets innovative and technologically advanced toys and leisure products.
Toymax products promote fun and creative play and are available under several brands:
Toymax(R) toys, such as R.A.D.(TM) Robot, Mighty Mo's(TM) vehicles, the award-winning
Laser Challenge(TM) and Creepy Crawlers(R) brands and a new line of educational hand-held
and tabletop electronics under the Jumpstart(TM) brand licensed from Knowledge Adventure
Inc., and the Math Blaster(TM) brand licensed from Davidson & Associates, Inc.; Go Fly A
Kite(R) kites, windsocks and banners; Candy Planet(TM) candy products; and Monogram(R)
gift, novelty and souvenir products.
Toymax is headquartered in Plainview, N.Y. and its products are available at retailers
worldwide.
About MGI Software
MGI Software is one of the world's leading digital media companies. The company's
early focus on delivering digital media editing technology to the mass market has led to
leadership in the PC photo and video editing market, with more than 19 million units of
its PhotoSuite and VideoWave products shipped in retail and OEM channels spanning 25
countries.
The company has recently expanded its technological leadership to encompass all
digital entertainment media, including television, movies, and music, with its DVD MAX,
and PURE DIVA products.
Through its ever growing network of partnerships with major consumer electronics
manufacturers, computer hardware and software vendors, photo retailers and the
entertainment industry, MGI is uniquely positioned to take advantage of the revolution
shaping our digital lifestyles.
MGI Software shares trade on The Toronto Stock Exchange (Symbol:MGI). For more
information visit mgisoft.com.
About WWF Entertainment, Inc.
As a leader in entertainment programming and marketing, World Wrestling Federation
Entertainment, Inc. produces television programming in 157 countries (cable and
syndication), live events, pay-per-view, print and on-line publishing, home video,
merchandising and licensing on a worldwide basis. Based in Stamford, Connecticut, World
Wrestling Federation Entertainment was incorporated in 1982.
The statements made in this press release contain certain forward-looking statements.
The Company cautions readers that all forward-looking statements are necessarily
speculative and accordingly undue reliance should not be placed on any such
forward-looking statements, which only speak as of the date made.
Actual results may vary materially from those anticipated by the Company for a variety
of reasons, including, without limitation, changes in retail sell-through of the
Company's products, differences between bookings received from customers and actual
orders received, changing consumer demand for its products, a reliance on new product
introductions, the dependence on a limited number of customers, seasonal and quarterly
fluctuations, the dependence on a limited number of product lines and the loss of
existing licenses or the inability to renew or extend licenses under favorable terms.
The risks highlighted herein should not be assumed to be the only things that could
affect the future performance of the Company. The Company undertakes no obligation to
publicly release the results of any revisions to these forward-looking statements, which
may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the
occurrence of unanticipated events.
Readers are referred to the documents filed by the Company with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, specifically, the most recent reports filed under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 and the registration statement filed pursuant to the Securities Act
of 1933, which identify important risk factors.
CONTACT: Toymax International Inc.
Investor Relations Contact
Bill Johnson, 516/391-9898 ext. 600
or
Integrated Corporate Relations
Christine DiSanto or Chad Jacobs, 203/222-9013
or
Access Communications
Media Relations Contact
Kim Paone or Liz Savery
212/462-2890 ext. 233/235
kpaone@accesspr.com
lsavery@accesspr.com
09:17 EDT SEPTEMBER 21, 1999
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