BKN International AG
  13 May 2008
   

    Press Release
    13 May 2008
    
    


    BKN International AG
    ("BKN" or the "Company")

    BKN Signs Licensing and Merchandising Rights Agreement to Major New Properties
    SPEED RACER: The Next Generation and SPEED RACER Classic


    BKN is pleased to announce today that it has entered into an agreement with SPEED RACER Enterprises Inc to handle all licensing and
merchandising in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and the Middle East for the properties entitled SPEED RACER: The Next
Generation and SPEED RACER Classic.
    Since its debut in Japan in 1967, SPEED RACER has become one of the world's most recognized entertainment properties with more than 40
million loyal fans worldwide. 
    In 2008, fans of the celebrated series will bear witness to a complete brand resurgence beginning with the worldwide television premiere
of the all-new animated movie debuting on Nicktoons Network, Nickelodeon's 24 hour animation network which dovetails into the new animated
half-hour television series, SPEED RACER: The Next Generation, and on Friday, May 9, the much buzzed about Warner Bros. live-action feature
film directed by the Wachowski Brothers, attempts a photo-finish as it hits theatres nationwide.  
    Effective immediately, BKN will handle all licensing and merchandising sales and marketing for SPEED RACER Classic and SPEED RACER: The
Next Generation throughout the markets noted above. 
    Go, SPEED RACER, Go!  After 40 years, one of entertainment's most recognizable animated classics returns from a pit-stop for the next
generation of SPEED RACER fans. SPEED RACER: The Next Generation builds on the legendary adventures of the iconic original series by
focusing on Speed's orphaned son as he contends with the everyday hassles of school life at The Racing Academy while uncovering secrets
behind his famous father's disappearance.  Following in the footsteps of the classic series, SPEED RACER: The Next Generation explores the
passion of a teenage racer with the most powerful and stylish car on the planet.  Speed arrives at The Racing Academy only to find himself
immediately intimidated by his fast-paced classmates, but armed with his new friends Connor, Lucy and Connor's robot monkey, Chim Chim,
Speed quickly lives up to his name and becomes the new one to beat in the driver's seat!  Along with action-packed adventure on the
racetrack, Speed and his pals work together to solve the mystery of his father's disappearance and build the ultimate racing machine - the Mach 6.   
    James Rocknowski, President of Speed Racer Enterprises states "We have very high expectations for Speed Racer as a property and as a
television show. The response from US licensees and retailers has been very encouraging. We have chosen BKN as a major partner to represent
the property due to their proven capabilities and skills in Europe and Australia and we expect a long and fruitful relationship."

    Adds Nicola Andrews, Managing Director of BKN in London "Our company policy is to handle only properties that we own completely but this
opportunity was special and we made an exception. The property has been extremely well received and we feel that there is a huge market
internationally."

    - Ends -
      Enquiries:

    BKN INTERNATIONAL AG

    Allen Bohbot, Chief Executive Officer 
    Tel: +44 (0) 20 7269 8683
    allen.bohbot@bknkids.com

    Wayne Mowat, Chief Financial Officer 
    Tel: +44 (0) 20 7269 8687
    wayne.mowat@bknkids.com 

    Nicola Andrews, Managing Director of BKN New Media Ltd.
    Tel.: +44 (0) 20 7269 8677
    nicola.andrews@bknkids.com

    Laura Tapias, Managing Director of BKN New Media S.L.
    Tel.: +34 93 368 18 00
    laura.tapias@bknkids.com 

    Matthew Graham-Clare, Managing Director of BKN Home Entertainment Ltd.
    Tel. +44 (0) 20 7269 8678
    matthew-graham.clare@bknkids.com

    Sascha Ziemann, Finance Manager Germany
    Tel: +49 (0) 221 126082 11
    sascha.ziemann@bknkids.com 

    Martina Michels, Investor Relations
    Tel: +49 (0) 221 126082 10
    martina.michels@bknkids.com

    www.bknkids.com 


    Notes to editors:

    About BKN:

    BKN International AG is a global animation company engaged in the distribution and marketing of animated children's television
programmes and the marketing of related consumer products (licensing and merchandising) in all forms. BKN has worked on numerous successful
animation projects. 

    The Company is currently listed on the General Standard of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and is quoted on the AIM Market of the London
Stock Exchange plc ("AIM"), it operates all over the world. BKN has successfully negotiated distribution deals in over 95 countries and
territories in the children's programming market.

    The Company's Film Library includes:
    -    Legend of the Dragon
    -    Robin Hood
    -    Kong - The Animated Series
    -    Zorro: Generation Z®
    -    Kong - King of Atlantis
    -    Roswell Conspiracies
    -    Kong II - Return to the Jungle
    -    Dork Hunters from Outer Space®
    -    A Christmas Carol
    -    Jungle Book

This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
 
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