K'NEX Partners with TOMY Europe to Widen Successful Distribution Partnership Throughout UK, Belgium and Holland

HATFIELD, Pa., May 7 /PRNewswire/ -- K'NEX Brands, one of the world's leading construction toy companies, is expanding its international distribution deal with TOMY, a leading worldwide toy manufacturer, to include the UK, Belgium and Holland. The agreement was announced today by Michael Araten, President, K'NEX Brands, and Robert Mann, President, TOMY Europe. This agreement expands the current successful relationship which was announced last year and which includes the distribution of K'NEX products by TOMY in France and Germany. The addition of the K'NEX brand to other key TOMY territories will further boost the company's expansion plans in the construction category alongside its market leading position in Nursery Infant and Preschool and Arts and Crafts categories.

Robert Mann, President TOMY Europe: "The widening of the distribution deal is a reflection of the increasingly pan European approach we are taking to our business. K'NEX enjoys a wide popularity right across key European territories and we have the sales and marketing infrastructure combined with a strong, proven commercial platform to drive the K'NEX business into a very successful future."

"Britain, Belgium and Holland are key markets for K'NEX. Through this new relationship with TOMY, K'NEX continues to further strengthen its European presence," said Araten. "TOMY shares our vision for growing K'NEX market share overseas and broadening our relationship with the key retailers," he said.

"There are many synergies between our two companies; both are dedicated to providing quality toys that inspire children's imagination and provide high play value. Both are leaders in their fields. This agreement represents the perfect partnership of two companies combining their unique strengths to deliver great products to children around the world."

The agreement comes into effect January 2009 and includes K'NEX and KID K'NEX branded building sets.

About TOMY

TOMY is one of the oldest toy companies in the world. Founded in Japan, the company has grown to be one of the largest Toy companies in the world which was further strengthened by the merger with Takara in March 2006, giving it a consolidated turnover of over $1.7b. TOMY established its European division over twenty years ago with the operating units consolidating in 2005 to create TOMY Europe.

About K'NEX

Founded in 1992, K'NEX Brands, the world's most innovative construction toy company, was established to make and sell what has become one of the world's leading integrated construction systems for children. Winner of over 200 international awards and recognitions, K'NEX seeks to build young minds with its exciting product line and critically acclaimed K'NEX Education program. For more information, please visit www.knex.com.