Children's Blocks Depict Jim Henson's Bear in the Big Blue House(R) And Jeep(R) Vehicles in New Line From Best-Lock Construction Toys (Toy Fair)

    NEW YORK, Feb. 8 Toy Fair -- Building block sets modeled
in the shape of Jeep(R) vehicles as well as larger blocks for younger children
featuring Jim Henson's characters from Bear and the Big Blue House(R) are
being introduced by Best-Lock Construction Toys under new licensing
agreements.
    This is the first time Best-Lock has manufactured larger blocks for
smaller children with the Bear in the Big Blue House toys, while their line of
Jeep replicas are built to scale and accurate down to the tiniest detail.
(They are being shown at Booth #1133 at the New York Toy Fair).

    Bear in the Big Blue House -- larger blocks for little hands
    Children worldwide have a new way to play with their favorite furry Bear
friend -- they need only add their imagination.
    Best-Lock Construction Toys debuted a line of building blocks featuring
the popular characters from Bear in the Big Blue House.  The Bear in the Big
Blue House toys will be sold at major retailers nationwide (expected prices
$9.99, $19.99 and $29.99).
    "Children and parents everywhere are enchanted by Bear's colorful funhouse
and his charming cast of friends," said Stephen Minsk, Best-Lock Construction
Toys worldwide vice president of sales and marketing.  "We're excited to enter
into a partnership with such a strong brand like Bear in the Big Blue House."
    The new toys mark the first time that Best-Lock has manufactured larger
building blocks, appropriate for children as young as 2 years of age.
Best-Lock toys also meet standards set by child development experts for toys
that foster creativity and learning.
    "Blocks are a healthy choice because they contribute to children's overall
development," said Lynn P. Galle, child development expert at the University
of Minnesota.  "In addition to being fun for a broad range of children, blocks
can serve as tools for intellectual and social learning.  They also enhance
children's physical development and feelings of competence and
accomplishment."
    Bear in the Big Blue House is among the most popular television programs
for children ages 2-5.  The multiple-Emmy(R) Award-winning pre-school program
is produced by Jim Henson Television, and airs three times daily exclusively
on the Disney Channel.
    The Jim Henson Company, an established leader in family entertainment for
more than 40 years, is a multimedia production company; one of the top
character licensors in the industry; a leading publisher of children's books;
and home to Jim Henson's Creature Shop.  The Company is headquartered in Los
Angeles with offices and production facilities in New York and London.  The
Jim Henson Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of EM.TV & Merchandising AG
based in Munich, Germany.  The Jim Henson website is located at:
http://www.henson.com

    Jeep(R) -- SUV use surges among 6 to 10 year olds
    Rugged.  Roadworthy.  Tough.  Hardy.  There's only one Jeep(R).  And in
this case, the Jeep vehicle is eight inches tall.
    Best-Lock Construction Toys debuted a new line of construction block sets
modeled in the shape of Jeep Wranglers, Cherokees and vintage Willys.  The
Jeep replicas are built to scale and are accurate down to the tiniest detail.
    "For the first time, young boys and girls can 'build' the same Jeep that
Mom and Dad drive," said Stephen Minsk, Best-Lock Construction Toys worldwide
vice president of sales and marketing.  "We are proud to be associated with a
timeless brand like Jeep that has such a reputation for strength and
ruggedness the world over."
    The toys, which are sold for $9.99, $19.99, and $29.99, will be sold at
major retailers nationwide.  The block sets will come in 16 different Jeep
models, and in different colors and styles such as pink, yellow, camouflage
and safari.
    Similar to Best-Lock's popular military and construction lines of blocks,
the Jeep toys will have pieces that are interchangeable with a child's
existing block sets, even with other brands.  In addition, the Jeep toys are
in scale with its figures, unlike some other brands.
    Jeep, which is a registered trademark of DaimlerChrysler Corporation, has
a history of manufacturing innovative and award-winning products.  The Jeep
name is synonymous with style, innovation, design, durability, and resiliency
-- all qualities that consumers have come to trust.  The Jeep brand is
exclusively represented by The Joester Loria Group for all consumer-licensed
products.
    Best-Lock Construction Toys is a privately owned company founded in 1997.
The British company, which distributes its toys in North America, Europe and
Asia, has projected 2001 revenues at $15 to $20 million.  The company's goal
is to capture 10 percent market share of the $1 billion construction toy
market over the next three years.  For more information, go to
http://www.best-lock.com