Boyds Bears to Create Licensed M&M's Themed Plush and Resin Bears.

GETTYSBURG, Pa. -- The world-famous Spokescandies for America's colorful chocolate candies, the M&M's(R) Brand Characters are the newest personalities to be featured with the world-famous Bears and Friends of The Boyds Collection Ltd. (NYSE: FOB) under an official licensing agreement between the giftware manufacturer and Masterfoods USA.

Boyds initial collection of plush and resin bears and giftware will feature the authentic shape, logo and color of five of the most popular M&M's(R) Brand Characters including leader of the pack Red, smart and sassy Green, happy-go-lucky Yellow, worry-wart orange Crispy, and the always cool Blue. The products will retail at popular price points and are targeted to be in-store by October 2005.

"We are very excited about the partnership of a cultural icon like M&M's(R) with the quality and distinction of Boyds Bears," said Jan Murley, CEO of The Boyds Collection, Ltd., "It is wonderful to partner with another brand that is steeped in fun and whimsical charm." Murley continued, "Such a natural partnership will not only please consumers and collectors of both brands, but also create incremental opportunities for both our network of retailers and our own Boyds Bear Country locations in 2005 and years to come."

"We continue to build our collectibles program," said Michele Brown, Vice President, Licensing, Masterfoods USA. "We're thrilled about this relationship and the retail opportunities it brings us."

The addition of M&M's(R) to the Boyds licensing program builds on the company's strategy to align the popularity of Boyds Bears and Friends with other successful brands. In 2004, Boyds introduced Boyds Racing Family, a collection of plush and resin products officially licensed by NASCAR and its most popular drivers. Introduced mid-year in 2004; that collection exceeded sales expectations to Boyds wholesale distribution network and NASCAR-specific channels, as well as at Boyds own Boyds Bear Country retail operations in Gettysburg, PA and Pigeon Forge, TN.

The Boyds Collection Ltd. is a leading domestic designer, importer and distributor of high quality, branded plush and giftware products. The company sells it products through a large and diverse network comprised of independent gift and collectibles retailers, premier department stores, selected catalogue retailers and other electronic and retail channels. The company launched its first retail operation, Boyds Bear Country, a unique entertainment and retail experience in Gettysburg, PA in 2002 and has recently expanded with a second location in Pigeon Forge, TN. Founded in 1979, Boyds has successfully developed a strong niche and brand identity because of its affordably priced, high-quality, "Folksy with Attitude" products.

Masterfoods USA, the United States food, snack and petcare operations of Mars, Incorporated, is one of the world's leading food manufacturers. With more than $5 billion in annual sales, the combined food, petcare and snack segments are a symbol of excellence for quality brands. Headquartered in Hackettstown, N.J., Masterfoods USA employs more than 7,000 associates in the United States with 15 manufacturing facilities nationwide. The company owns some of the world's favorite brands, including M&M's(R) Brand, SNICKERS(R) Brand, UNCLE BEN's(R) Brand, PEDIGREE(R) Brand Food For Dogs and WHISKAS(R) Brand Food For Cats. For additional information, visit http://www.masterfoodsnews.com.