Ohio Art's Toy Box Grows: Magna Doodle Joins Etch A Sketch to Create Powerful Classic Toy Line.

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BRYAN, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 13, 2004

The Ohio Art Company to Acquire Rights from Pilot Pen Corporation

of America to Market, and Distribute Magna Doodle(R)

Two of the world's beloved classic toys, Etch A Sketch and Magna Doodle, have joined forces as The Ohio Art Company (AMEX: OAR) has reached an agreement with Pilot Pen Corporation of America to market Magna Doodle products world wide with the exception of Japan and Korea. Etch A Sketch the "World's Favorite Drawing Toy," and Magna Doodle, "The World's Favorite Way to Doodle," combined have been providing children with creative fun for decades.

"The two classics - Etch A Sketch and Magna Doodle - are long standing brands that now present a unique opportunity for The Ohio Art Company," according to Larry Killgallon, President and CEO. "Open any children's toy chest and you will find an Etch A Sketch and Magna Doodle." Killgallon states. "The synergy between the brands play value, brand image and classic toy status make our partnership with Pilot Pen to market Magna Doodle a smart strategic move that will benefit the company both in the near future and long term," he added.

"As long as we continue to make babies there will be a market for Magna Doodle," said Ron Shaw, President of Pilot Pen Corporation of America.

Magna Doodle, the no mess creative toy that has inspired oodles of doodles, recently celebrated 25 years of creative fun! A consistent top-seller in the arts and crafts category, with approximately 68 million sold since its introduction in 1978, it's no wonder that Magna Doodle can be found in just about every child's toy chest and is a favorite traveling friend.

"Bringing Magna Doodle and Etch A Sketch together creates a perfect marriage. Just like Etch A Sketch, the magic of Magna Doodle is ageless and the drawing quality is unsurpassed, said Tony Craig, Manager of New Business Development for Pilot Pen Corporation of America.

"This is a strong and savvy move for Ohio Art," says toy and children's lifestyle expert Chris Byrne, also known as The Toy Guy(TM). "Since 1960, Ohio Art has been synonymous with creative play and self-expression and the recent innovations that the company has brought to that classic brand bode well for the continued strength and success of what is perhaps the only other huge brand in the category--Magna Doodle."

The concept of Magna Doodle was created nearly 30 years ago by four Japanese engineers from Pilot Pen's Research and Development team. Together, they began development of the world's first "dustless chalkboard," a tool intended to aid in the business world. Their research led to the development of the "Magneto Phoretic Display Board" in 1974. It was not until four years later that the toy appeal of the invention was realized, the trademark name "Magna Doodle" was coined and a toy phenomenon was born. A year later, a patent was issued in the United States to Pilot and the rest, as they say, is history. Today, over 65 million Magna Doodles have been sold worldwide. Magna Doodle's has even been a consistent "guest star" on the popular television series "Friends."

About Etch A Sketch

One of Ohio Art's best-known toys is the classic Etch A Sketch(R) and, since its introduction in 1960, it has sold millions of units and is known as the "World's Favorite Drawing Toy." The Etch A Sketch still sports the classic red frame, glass screen, aluminum powder and the two unmistakable white knobs that control the stylus' movement. From generation to generation worldwide, the Etch A Sketch has provided millions of people with hours of fun and creativity! Over the years, Etch A Sketch has starred in movies loved by kids of all ages including Toy Story I & II and this past year was featured in New Line Cinema's family comedy, Elf, starring Will Ferrell, James Cann, Bob Newhart, Ed Asner, Zooey Deschanel and Mary Steenburgen.

Visit the Ohio Art Web Site at: http://www.world-of-toys.com. Established in 1908 and headquartered in Bryan, Ohio, the Ohio Art Company is one of the world's best-known toy companies and creator of the famous Etch A Sketch drawing toy.

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