Zapf Creation Launches New 2002 Doll Line At The American International Toy Fair

NEW YORK, February 10, 2002 - Zapf Creation, creator of a variety of best-selling and award-winning play, function and collector dolls, today unveiled several new and innovative additions to its already expansive doll line at The American International Toy Fair. Celebrating its 70th Anniversary, Zapf Creation has shown its commitment to providing children with updated, imaginative play concepts by developing doll categories based on an understanding of the latest in fashion and play trends. This year, Zapf Creation is launching its diverse 2002 product line with dolls so realistic their faces and mouths move, they burp when their tummy is rubbed and some even sing! Also new this year is Zapf Creation's doll miniworld, based on the best-selling BABY born� doll. In the transition from the large to small doll category, Zapf Creation is truly differentiated by its world-renowned attention to detail and quality. This new "world" of play provides children with a miniature doll and many detailed accessories for an entirely new play experience.

Zapf Creation's growing influence on the American doll-buying public is evident, as sales in the U.S. have increased 275% since opening its U.S. subsidiary in 1999. In just two short years, revenues have increased from approximately $12 million to $33 million (USD).

"We are excited about Zapf Creation's growth in the U.S. and Canada because we are so passionate about providing safe, healthy, creative play opportunities for children," says Sandra L. Crawford, President & General Manager of Zapf Creation (U.S.), Inc.

Following are highlights of Zapf Creation's 2002 line unveiled at The American International Toy Fair in New York City today.

Baby born� miniworld

Since her introduction in Germany in 1991, BABY born� has been embraced by young girls in 43 countries, making her a spectacularly popular play concept and favorite doll among children from around the world. Expanding upon the success of BABY born� is the introduction of BABY born� miniworld providing children with hours of playtime activities. The 5" BABY born� miniworld doll can be dressed in all of the accessories available for BABY born� such as tights, socks, shoes, bibs, pajamas, bathrobes, and jackets. Additional BABY born� miniworld product accessories such as the wardrobe, bed with mattress, pillow, blanket, pacifier, rattle � and even holiday-themed outfits � will be available allowing for hours of imaginative play. In addition, the packaging of BABY born� miniworld is part of the play concept, allowing children to build their own playhouses. BABY born� miniworld and her accessories are available throughout the U.S. and Canada at major retail locations such as Toys `R' Us, Target and Wal*Mart. The BABY born� miniworld Basic Set is available for the suggested retail price of $5.99. Accessories are sold separately for various suggested retail prices.

Baby Annabell

Already a best seller and award winner in Europe, Baby Annabell is sure to become an instant hit with little mommies in the U.S. and Canada. For her North American launch, Zapf Creation has updated Baby Annabell to include interactive functions that will enhance the play options for children. Her sensitivity to touch and sound allows Baby Annabell to react to her mommy when she is cared for. She will be able to make facial expressions when being given her bottle � and she can reject the bottle if she does not want to be fed. If Baby Annabell starts crying, rub her tummy to soothe her and she will stop, just like a real baby. Baby Annabell and accessories such as the comfort seat, bassinette, changing bag, carrying pack, bouncy seat and deluxe stroller, are appropriate for children ages three and older and will be available throughout the U.S. and Canada at major retail locations such as Toys `R' Us, Target, Wal*Mart and F.A.O. Schwarz. Baby Annabell will be available in the fall of 2002 for the suggested retail price of $49.99.

Maggie Raggies Sweetie Singer

Maggie Raggies Sweetie Singer is the newest addition to the popular Maggie Raggies posable fabric doll concept. Maggie Raggies Sweetie Singer will wow kids with her zany outfit and colorful hair. Squeeze her tummy and she will open her mouth and start singing! Squeeze her tummy harder and she will sing louder as her mouth opens even wider. Maggie Raggies Sweetie Singer will be available in the fall of 2002 at major retail locations such as Toys `R' Us, Target, Wal*Mart and F.A.O. Schwarz for the suggested retail price $29.99.

New to Jolly Dolly and CHOU CHOU Lines

Building on the success of the award-winning Jolly Dolly concept is the new Jolly Dolly Bath Baby, a whimsically dressed doll with scrubby attached to make bath time fun. Based on the popular CHOU CHOU play concept, Babbling Baby CHOU CHOU will offer children a friend that will laugh and cry with them. Jolly Dolly Bath Baby and Babbling Baby CHOU CHOU will both be available in the fall of 2002 at major retail locations such as Toys `R' Us, Target, Wal*Mart and F.A.O. Schwarz for the suggested retail prices of $19.99.

The Zapf Creation AG is Europe's leading brand manufacturer of play, function and collector dolls and doll accessories. Celebrating its 70th Anniversary in 2002, Zapf Creation is striving to develop its large doll segment to become the leading large doll manufacturer in its key worldwide markets. Today's top selling brands are BABY born� and CHOU CHOU, which are also market leaders in North America, and Baby Annabell, the widely successful brand in Europe that will launch in the United States in 2002. All Zapf Creation brands conform to the highest demands of design, quality, safety and play value. Zapf Creation strengthens its global market leadership in the doll segment with its major subsidiaries in the Czech Republic, Great Britain, France, Spain, Italy, Hong Kong as well as in Australia and the United States. The company with headquarters in Roedental/Germany currently employs 498 employees worldwide and reported sales of EUR193.1 million for the year 2001, a growth of 17 percent in respect to the previous year (preliminary, unaudited figures). The Zapf Creation AG, founded in 1932 by Max Zapf, was acquired in 1992 by TA Triumph-Adler AG and in April 1999 was successfully introduced to the stock market (MDax:ZPF). For further information, please visit www.zapf-creation.com.

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