Nelvana inks its first direct-to-retail deal with C&A in Europe

Nelvana inks its first direct-to-retail deal with C&A in Europe

C&A to showcase Babar baby line

NEW YORK, Feb. 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Today at the American International Toy Fair in New York, Corus Entertainment's Nelvana is pleased to announce that it has completed a pan-European direct-to-retail agreement with C&A.

Under terms of the direct deal - a proud first for Nelvana in the international market - C&A stores in the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Spain, Portugal, Poland, Hungary, Russia and the Czech Republic will carry a range of Babar-themed infantwear. The line, including nightwear and pramcoats, is expected to debut in June 2005.

"We are extremely pleased to close our first direct-to-retail deal with a strong European player like C&A, and we're proud to have Babar showcased in such an emblematic category for the brand across Europe," said Marie-Laure Marchand, VP of European Merchandising and Marketing.

"Babar is very well known and has a special appeal among the mothers of babies. He is playful, creative and full of optimism and care for his family and friends. This corresponds perfectly to C&A's customer message," said Philippe Rainot, License Manager, C&A Buying Children's Division. "C&A believes that direct retail deals can create win-win situations for both parties. C&A is very confident that this deal has the potential to develop into a strong and sustained relationship with Nelvana. We wish a lot of success and a long life to Babar inside C&A!"

With Babar's 75th anniversary coming up in 2006, Nelvana's international merchandising team has been hard at work finalizing a series licensing agreements sure to create buzz for the pachyderm par excellence.

"This is the first of many new Babar licenses we will be announcing as we embark upon an exciting new chapter in the long and fabled history of our favorite elephant," said Doug Murphy, Nelvana's Executive VP of Business Development. "Our friends at C&A recognize the strong existing affinity for the property across Europe and we are excited to have them as our new partner."

In France, Beauty Distribution has just come on board and will launch a range of health & beauty products this fall, while Clementoni has signed on to create a line of educational games and puzzles set to launch in July. Other new French licensees include Canal Toys (stationery, dough products and outdoor items), Mosaiques (kids breakfast dishes, kitchen linen) Corner (kids & adult tees) and Ouat (interactive DVD). The French program now boasts more than 45 licensees.

Recent deals in the U.K. market include GUND (plush), Rye by Post (collectible cels) and Alligator Books (annual and activity books).

Babar (TM) and (C) Nelvana. Jointly licensed by Nelvana/Ross. Production
(C) 1989-1999 Nelvana Limited, In Trust. All rights reserved.


About Nelvana Limited


Nelvana Limited is one of the world's leading international producers and distributors of children's programming and products. Its current stable of franchise properties includes Emmy Award(R)-winning and globally renowned brands such as Rolie Polie Olie, Babar, Franklin and Beyblade. Nelvana is owned by Corus Entertainment, a Canadian-based media and entertainment company. Corus is a market leader in both specialty TV and Radio. The company's other interests include music, television broadcasting and advertising services. A publicly traded company, Corus is listed on the Toronto (CJR.NV.B) and New York (CJR) Exchanges. Corus' website can be found at www.corusentertainment.com.

About C&A

C&A is one of the leading fashion retailers in Europe. The eleven exclusive C&A brands offer value-for-money fashion for the whole family. C&A, with more than 800 stores and 30,000 employees, is established in twelve European countries. C&A stores welcome more than 1.5 million customers every day.


Source: Corus Entertainment Inc.; Nelvana Limited; C&A

CONTACT: For more information, images or interview requests: Amanda
Burgess, Senior Publicist, (416) 530-2247, amanda.burgess@corusent.com


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