New Range & Trading Update

Character Group PLC 02 August 2007 Issued on behalf of The Character Group plc, by Citigate Dewe Rogerson, Birmingham Date: Thursday 2 August 2007 Embargoed: 7.00am The Character Group plc ('Group' or 'Character Group' or the 'Company') Launch of 'Classic Doctor Who' Range and Trading Update Character Options, the trading subsidiary of Character Group, is launching a new range of classic Doctor Who figures in association with BBC Worldwide. The 5' figures will initially feature detailed replicas of classic Doctors, plus a number of monsters. These Doctor Who figures are part of the award winning Doctor Who range that has achieved unprecedented success. The new range will be launched in the spring of 2008. Jon Diver, Joint Managing Director, Character Group, said: 'The resounding success of the Doctor Who TV series is made up of both new and existing Doctor Who fans. We have reacted to public demand and will be producing a range which greatly enhances the depth and quality of our existing line. The classic licence will broaden the collectability and enhance the position of the brand'. The Directors believe that the development of the Doctor Who brand will give the Group scope for further substantial sales growth of Doctor Who products in 2008. Group Trading Update The Group is also pleased to report that demand at retail for the Group's products generally across its ranges remains robust and the Board expects this trend to continue as retailers start to focus on the Autumn trading period including Christmas. To date, Group sales and profitability remain substantially ahead of the same period last year. As a result and taking account of the on-going strong demand for our continuing lines as well as early indications on our new introductions, the Directors remain confident that the Group will at least meet current market expectations for the financial year ending 31 August 2007. The Group continues to build its market share and consolidate its position within the toy industry. The Board continues to review its position regarding the buy back of Group shares and will make further buy backs when it is felt to be appropriate and in the interests of shareholders Shareholders will continue to be updated of any developments within the business, as and when appropriate. Enquiries: Richard King, Chairman Fiona Tooley, Director Richard Thompson Jon Diver, Joint Managing Director Keith Gabriel, Senior Account Manager Philip Davies The Character Group plc Citigate Dewe Rogerson Charles Stanley Securities Tel: +44 (0) 20 8949 5898 Tel: +44 (0) 121 455 8370 Nominated Adviser Mobile: +44 (0) 7836 250150 (RK) Mobile: +44 (0) 7785 703523 (FMT) Tel: +44 (0) 20 7149 6000 Notes to Editors: BBC Worldwide Limited is the main commercial arm and a wholly owned subsidiary of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). The company exists to maximise the value of the BBC's assets for the benefit of the licence payer and invest in public service programming in return for rights. The company has six core businesses: Global Channels, Global TV Sales, Magazines, Content & Production, Home Entertainment and Digital Media. In 2005/06 BBC Worldwide generated profits of £89 million on sales of £784 million. The Character Group plc designs, develops and distributes toys, games and giftware, principally to the UK although it has an increasing exposure to international markets. Revenues are generated from a mix of product ranges, with over 70% designed and developed in-house, either under the Group's own brand or under licence, with the balance being derived from third party distribution. Notable product lines are Doctor Who, Scooby Doo, Biker Mice from Mars, Peppa Pig, GR8 Gear, Robosapien, Roboraptor and Robopet. For a more comprehensive view of the product portfolio, please refer to www.characteronline.com www.thecharacter.com CCT.L: Sector: Media, AIM This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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