FOB Boyds Collection Ltd

Inspiration, imagination and creativity...three ingredients that add up to childhood fun. When it comes to inspiring children to use their imagination to be creative and have fun, crayons and teddy bears often come to mind; and when it comes to crayons and teddy bears, no two brands are as recognizable as Crayola(R) and Boyds Bears(TM). Today, The Boyds Collection Ltd.(R) (NYSE: FOB) is pleased to announce that world-famous Boyds Bears will partner with Crayola in providing new opportunities for children to express their creativity and have fun as both brands draw on their traditions of inspiring creativity through safe, quality products. Boyds(TM) and Crayola will leverage the popularity of their products with the top brand recognition of the number one producer of children's arts and crafts materials to produce innovative new creative playthings for children. The first Crayola licensed Boyds creations, slated to be available at retail during the 2005 Holiday Season, are a series of plush teddy bears with bright Crayola crayon-colored fur that will be packaged with themed coloring books and Crayola crayons. The play sets will be sold in gift boxes that feature the familiar Crayola(R) yellow and green design that has been a world-wide symbol of creativity for children for more than 100 years. While these initial products are very traditional, weighing on each brand's most venerable product, future plans include products that will compliment the Crayola brand's strength and dedication in bringing new and innovative creative tools for children to families. "We are very excited about partnering with Crayola and being able to bring two brands that are so well respected by moms and so loved by kids together," says Jan Murley, Boyds C.E.O. "We are looking forward to reaching out to new market segments with products that will strengthen Boyds(TM) current channels as well as open exciting opportunities in a broader marketplace," Murley added. "Crayola crayons and teddy bears are two of the best known icons of childhood," says Rick Goralnick, manager, global licensing for the Crayola brand. "The new Boyds line of Crayola teddy bears draws on the heritage of our colorful products in a way that will excite collectors." The addition of CRAYOLA to the Boyds licensing program continues the company's strategy to align the popularity of Boyds Bears with other successful brands; which began with the mid-year 2004 introduction of the NASCAR(R) licensed Boyds Racing Family, that exceeded all expectations and continued with the recent announcement of licensing agreements with Coca-Cola(R) and M&M'S(R). About Boyds(TM) The Boyds Collection Ltd.(R) is a leading domestic designer, importer and distributor of high quality, branded plush and giftware products. The company sells its products through a large and diverse network comprised of independent gift and collectibles retailers, premier department stores, select catalogue retailers and other electronic and retail channels. The company launched its first retail operation, Boyds Bear Country(TM), a unique entertainment and retail experience in Gettysburg, PA in 2002 and has recently expanded with a second location in Pigeon Forge, TN. Founded in 1979, Boyds has successfully developed a strong niche and brand identity because of its affordably priced, high quality, "Folksy with Attitude" products. About Crayola(R) With schools of true-blue fans, colorful products found in virtually every home and school, and an emotional connection with consumers spanning 100 years, Crayola is one of America's best-known brands. Since 1903, when the first box of eight Crayola crayons was introduced in schools nationwide, the brand has become a cultural icon and symbol of childhood that continues to delight kids with innovative products that let them create in fun and surprising ways.