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BRIO names K'NEX Exclusive Distributor for North America

Leading toy manufacturers BRIO and K'NEX have signed an agreement making K'NEX the exclusive distributor of all BRIO toys in North America. The long-term contract will go into effect June 1, 2006.

"The U.S. is a very important market for us," said Thomas Bräutigam, BRIO's CEO. "Through K'NEX's already established channels with American retailers, we will gain access to more stores than previously. The agreement is in line with our aim of strengthening BRIO's position in the American market."

K'NEX, based in Hatfield, PA, in the U.S., manufactures the world's top-selling non-brick building toys. Winner of more than 150 awards for its innovative and educational toys, K'NEX was founded in 1992 by Joel Glickman, inventor of K'NEX, who is the company's owner and CEO.

"We feel very positive about this opportunity to strengthen both BRIO and K'NEX," said Michael Araten, K'NEX president and COO. "There are many synergies between our two companies; both are dedicated to creating quality toys that inspire children's imagination and provide high play value. Both are leaders in their fields. This agreement represents the perfect partnership of two strong global brands."

As a result of the agreement, 20 employees at the wholly-owned sales company, BRIO Corp, in the US will be given notice. BRIO Corp was started in 1977 and sales in the US stood at SEK 109 million last year.

Founded in 1992, K'NEX Industries was established to make and sell what has become one of the world's leading integrated construction systems for children. Winner of over 150 international awards and recognitions, K'NEX seeks to build young minds with its exciting product line and critically acclaimed K'NEX Education program. For more information, please visit http://www.knex.com/.

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