In addition, JAKKS Pacific has also signed licensing agreements with the owners of the company, popular free-style BMX riders Joe Rich and Taj Mihelich.

Pursuant to the agreements, JAKKS Pacific will develop -- under its Road Champs BXS brand -- toy collectible miniature die-cast bikes, mini bike part accessories, bike playsets and action figures based on Taj Mihelich and Joe Rich.

Road Champs BXS bikes feature the exclusive "Trick Stick" that allows kids to perform their favorite bike stunts just like the pros. Full product rollout is expected in spring 2000.

Rich and Mihelich jointly own Terrible One, a domestic manufacturer of quality BMX bikes that has developed a strong following among free-style riders who are as much interested in artistic technique as they are in outright competition.

"Whether on the vert ramp or out on the streets," said Stephen Berman, president and chief operating officer of JAKKS Pacific. "Joe and Taj -- who are consistently ranked as two of the most popular riders in the country -- are recognized not only for their style and versatility, but for their many contributions to the sport as well. We are delighted to welcome them to the Road Champs BXS team."

JAKKS has also signed licensing agreements with bicycle motocross (BMX) manufacturers 2-Hip Bikes, Bully Bikes and KHS for its Free Agent brand of bicycles.

2-Hip Bikes and Bully Bikes (both of which are rider-owned) manufacture a variety of street and jumping bikes designed for serious BMX riders. Free Agent, a subsidiary of KHS, produces bikes for both recreational and professional riders and is ranked among this year's top 10 BMX manufacturers by readers of Ride/Snap magazine.

All three brands are well known to enthusiasts of the "King of Vert" and "Meet the Street" series, two popular BMX events that were started in the late 1980s by Ron Wilkerson (founder of 2-Hip Bikes) at a time when there were few opportunities for professionals to compete.

JAKKS Pacific is a multi-brand toy company that designs, develops, produces and markets toys and related products, including: action figures and accessories featuring licensed characters, principally from the World Wrestling Federation; Flying Colors molded plastic activity sets, clay compound playsets and lunch boxes; Road Champs die-cast collectible and toy vehicles and Remco toy vehicles and role-play toys and accessories; Child Guidance infant and preschool electronic toys, toy foam puzzle mats and blocks and activity sets and outdoor products; and fashion and mini dolls and related accessories.

Be sure to check out Raving Toy Maniac's upcoming coverage of Toy Fair 2000 to see all the latest JAKKS Pacific has to offer.

Source:BusinessWire

[Updated 1-13-2000]