PRINT

Warner Bros. Consumer Products And Hutchison Harbour Ring Announce Far-Reaching Relationship

(January 13, 2004 – Burbank, CA) – Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP) announced today a multi-faceted agreement that appoints PMW Agency Limited, a joint venture between Hutchison Harbour Ring Ltd. (HHR) and Global Brands Group Plc., the exclusive consumer products licensing agent for the Company in Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau. The agreement also establishes HHR as an Authorized Licensed Retailer for WBCP, which provides exclusive rights to operate “Warner Bros. Studio Stores” and “Warner Bros. Studios Presents” retail formats within the same markets. Additionally, HHR has been awarded non-exclusive licensing rights to manufacture and distribute merchandise based on the Warner Bros. Consumer Products stable of brands for sale in Authorized Licensed Retailers outside of the United States and Canada. “The relationship we announce today brings our strong business opportunities together to create a powerful impact for our brands and the way we present them to consumers in this important region,” said Dan Romanelli, President of Warner Bros. Worldwide Consumer Products. Mr. Romanelli added, “We have world-class brands and a track record of success in the entertainment licensing business. Tapping into the impressive business model and reach of HHR creates a foundation for our mutual success.” Dominic Lai, HHR Deputy Chairman, said the agreement would create a win-win situation for both WBCP and HHR. “We believe we can help WBCP set a strong foothold in the Mainland, using Hutchison’s knowledge and network in the China market, while HHR acts as a service provider and agent for these internationally renowned brands,” said Mr. Lai. HHR has partnered with Global Brands Group to create PMW Agency Limited which will act as the local market licensing agent for WBCP and the brands that make up its portfolio including Looney Tunes, Harry Potter, Batman, Superman, Scooby-Doo, The Powerpuff Girls, among others. PMW will work to extend the reach of these brands through licensees, promotional partners, and strategic retail relationships. Chief Executive Officer of Global Brands Group, Jonathan Sieff, commented, “Having worked with Warner Bros. Consumer Products for over 12 years in Europe, I am extremely excited to be involved in the development of the licensing business in China, in partnership with HHR.” “Together with its parent company Hutchison Whampoa, HHR has unparalleled experience in China and will ensure that WBCP’s portfolio of brands is strongly represented,” Mr. Sieff added. Through the Authorized Licensed Retail agreement, Hutchison Harbour Ring Ltd. has the rights to open and operate “Warner Bros. Studio Stores” and “Warner Bros. Studios Presents” retail formats. “Warner Bros. Studio Stores” are multi-property, multi-category flagship and freestanding stores and “Warner Bros. Studios Presents” are multi-property and/or multi-category store-in-stores and kiosks. The first flagship Studio Store is scheduled to open in Shanghai no later than 2005. “Warner Bros. Studio Stores” and “Warner Bros. Studios Presents” retail outlets offer a diverse assortment of high quality merchandise inspired by the range of Warner Bros. Entertainment personalities, from the irreverence of the Looney Tunes, the magic of Harry Potter, the mystery of Scooby-Doo, the force of The Powerpuff Girls, the thrill of The Matrix, the power of the DC Comics superheroes and much more. Hutchison Harbour Ring Ltd. also has been appointed the preferred sourcing agent for WBCP. The agreement awards HHR a license to source merchandise for WBCP licensees and other WBCP Authorized Licensed Retailers around the world. The agent relationship is effective beginning February 2004. The remaining facets of the partnership are effective immediately. About Warner Bros. Consumer Products Warner Bros. Consumer Products, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world. About Hutchison Harbour Ring A subsidiary of Hutchison Whampoa Limited, Hutchison Harbour Ring is a leading company in the Hong Kong toy industry, which has been listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange since 1991 (Stock code: 715). As an original equipment manufacturer, the company specializes in mass production of a wide range of toys for world leading toy brands. Hutchison Harbour Ring’s subsidiaries are also engaged in the design, marketing and sales of telecommunication accessories, premium and electronic products, as well as property investment.
# # #