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Love to Dance Bear named Toy of the Year

Courtesy of EM.TV & Merchandising AG
October 11, 2000

FamilyFun magazine, in conjunction with Toys "R" Us, announced today Love To Dance Bear inspired by the Popular Disney Channel series Bear In The Big Blue House is the winner of "Toy of the Year" in the stuffed animal category, ages 3 & 4. In past years, FamilyFun's kid testers predicted the run-away favorites Sing N Snore Ernie and Tickle Me Elmo, which proved to be the holiday season top sellers.

Helen Isaacson, President of World Brand Management, the brand-building arm of EM.TV based in the New York Henson office, acts as the global marketers of The Jim Henson Company and other EM.TV properties, commented, "We are grateful to FamilyFun Magazine, Toys "R" Us and the more than 700 kid judges across the United States who have honored us with this significant award." Through her 100 percent affiliate The Jim Henson Company, EM.TV & Merchandising AG is the international marketer of the TV- and merchandising-rights of The Bear in the big blue house.

Also in Germany the Bear in the Big Blue House is growing ever more popular. In Germany, one in two kids aged 3 to 13 know the 2-metre bear with the blue claws. In this target group, the series, which has been aired by the German ARD's/ZDF's Kinderkanal since January 2000, has scored a sensational market share of 51.4 percent. The related toys have been no less successful. Shortly after the market launch, the entire range produced by Mattel under license, was sold out.

The series from the portfolio of The Jim Henson Company has won two "Daytime Emmy Awards" this year and has been nominated in the "Best preschool programme" category in the USA. And this big success is set to continue with EM.TV and edel music having signed an agreement for the production of the world's first audio version of the series. The Love to Dance Bear (German title: Cha Cha Bear) has been launched by Mattel under license in Germany in July 2000.

EM.TV & Merchandising AG has developed into a leading international media company. A leader in the production of children and family programs, global distribution of TV rights and merchandising, EM.TV acquired The Jim Henson Company in early 2000.