HONG KONG--Corgi International Limited (Nasdaq GM:CRGI) today announced that it had completed the sale of the Cards Inc. Limited trading card distribution division to Esdevium Games Limited.
Esdevium Games Limited, the UK’s largest games distributor, has completed the purchase on April 9 2008 which includes the transfer of the Cards Inc brand name, and its trading card game, sticker, and collectable trading card-based business
Cards Inc. Limited will continue its distribution of pop culture collectibles under the name of Popco Distribution which will offer a wide range of products to its long standing customer base.
Corgi International releases innovative collectibles and toys within its Popco, Master Replicas and Corgi brands, and recently won the award for Toy Innovation 2008 (Electronics and Technical) with its H2Go Hydrogen Car at the 2008 Nuremburg Toy Fair.
The Cards Inc and Esdevium teams are working closely together to ensure a smooth transfer of the Cards Inc accounts. During the transition period, which is anticipated to last through the end of April, former Cards Inc. accounts will be able to place orders with either Esdevium or Popco Distribution, with Esdevium fulfilling the orders on all trading card and trading card game products.
David Strelitz, a principal within Cards Inc for many years, will be heading the transition and will work with Esdevium Games for a period of time to ensure a smooth transition.
“Over the years Cards Inc. has done a terrific job developing the trading card sector, especially with accounts like Toys R Us.,” said Daniel Steel, Managing Director at Esdevium Games. “We are thrilled to be taking on that legacy, and believe we can provide all the benefits and advantages enjoyed by Cards Inc. accounts, and more.”
Cards Inc Founder and current Corgi International EVP Darren Epstein commented " Fourteen months ago I merged Cards Inc with Corgi and Master Replicas to form Corgi International, and our focus on building the company has been the toy and specialty business worldwide, while still supporting the card business. The decision to make the company focus on core lines worldwide has meant that we needed to seek a suitable partner to take over the card distribution business. I am confident that, for the preservation of the customer base and to continue the good work these many years, we have found the right partner in Esdevium Games.''
About Corgi International [Conform to Corgi normal]
Corgi International Limited develops and markets innovative, high-quality licensed and non-licensed pop culture toys, collectibles and gifts ranging from high-end movie and television prop replicas to mainstream toys. The Company holds licenses in these various product categories for many of the highest grossing entertainment franchises of all time including, among others, Disney Classics, Harry Potter, James Bond, Star Trek, , Nintendo, Halo, and The Beatles. The Company is headquartered in Hong Kong, with offices in Walnut Creek, CA and the United Kingdom.
About Esdevium Games Limited
Esdevium Games Limited is the UK’s largest game distributor. Based in Alton,Hampshire, the company supplies specialist and mass-market board games, card games, miniatures games, roleplaying games, and other specialty games to national accounts and the independent trade.