THQ SIGNS MULTI-PLATFORM PUBLISHING AGREEMENT WITH MGA ENTERTAINMENT FOR BRATZ
Global, Multi-Million Unit Selling Toy Brand Scheduled for Cross-Platform Release in Fall 2005
CALABASAS HILLS, Calif., - September 23, 2004 - THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) and MGA Entertainment today announced a worldwide agreement naming THQ the interactive licensee for Bratz. With global sales in excess of 80 million units for the doll line alone, Bratz has quickly become one of the hottest properties at retail. THQ's multi-platform agreement with MGA Entertainment includes video games for all viable platforms, including wireless devices. The first Bratz games under this agreement are scheduled for release in fall 2005.
"Since its summer 2001 debut, the Bratz property has quickly become a worldwide phenomenon crossing numerous product categories, including the recent DVD launch and a theatrical release slated for 2006," said Germaine Gioia, Vice President Licensing, THQ. "We look forward to bringing the many popular Bratz characters to life in interactive adventures next fall."
"We are very excited to be partnering with THQ. With their creative talents, marketing and distribution, the next generation of Bratz video games are sure to be cutting edge and out of this world!" said MGA Entertainment CEO Isaac Larian.
About Bratz
Since the first Bratz dolls made their debut in 2001, the brand has evolved to encompass everything from electronics to fashion clothing. Awards include Best Overall License and Character Brand License of the Year from Licensing Industry Merchandisers Association (LIMA), as well as several Toy of the Year and other awards from Family Fun and the Toy Industry Association (TIA). Available in more than 65 countries, Bratz has become a lifestyle brand and remains a consistent top-seller at retail across numerous product categories. Recently, Bratz made its home entertainment debut, ranking #2 on the VHS and #6 on the DVD charts. The first Bratz feature film is in development and scheduled for release in 2006.
About MGA
MGA Entertainment, a consumer entertainment products company with headquarters in Los Angeles, California, manufactures innovative lines of proprietary and licensed products, ranging from fashion and mini-dolls to radio-controlled vehicles. BRATZ was introduced in June 2001, and has since become one of the world's premiere toy lines and girls lifestyle brands. The brand is also noted for having won a Family Fun magazine's Toy of the Year Award three years in a row. With over 200 licenses worldwide, BRATZ brings together innovative companies and cutting-edge fashion styles to create exciting new products in apparel, footwear, fashion accessories and so much more. Early this fall, MGA will introduce its first boy's intellectual toy property ALIEN RACERSTM to market.
About THQ
THQ® Inc. is a leading, worldwide developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software for a variety of hardware platforms including PC CD-ROM, wireless devices, and those manufactured by Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc., Nintendo and Microsoft. The THQ web site is located at www.thq.com. THQ and the THQ logo are trademarks and/or registered trademark of THQ Inc.
This press release contains statements that are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include THQ's continued success and ability to benefit from Mr. DeNero's financial expertise. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about THQ's business based, in part, on assumptions made by its management. These statements are not guarantees of THQ's future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements due to numerous factors, including, but not limited to, the following: changes in demand for THQ's products, product mix, the timing of customer orders and deliveries, the impact of competitive products and pricing and difficulties encountered in the integration of acquired businesses. In addition, such statements could be affected by growth rates and market conditions relating to the interactive software industry and general domestic and international economic conditions. Specific information concerning these and other such factors is contained in THQ's Annual Report on Form 10-KT filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 11, 2003. A copy of this filing may be obtained by contacting THQ or the SEC. The forward-looking statements contained herein speak only as of the date on which they are made, and THQ does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release.