Playmates Toys Timeline

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Playmates Toys Timeline

Historical Timeline

1966
Sam Chan founds Playmates as O.E.M. doll company.

1969
Playmates launches first proprietary doll brand; "Precious Playmates"

1970's
Playmates grows into one of the largest O.E.M. doll companies in the toy industry.

1978
Playmates launches first branded pre-school product line; "L'il Playmates".

1981
Pre-school product line extended with introduction of first licensed Disney® items.

1982
U.S. subsidiary, Playmates Toys, Inc., Incorporated in California

1984
Playmates became first publicly listed toy company in Hong Kong (Ticker:0075)

1986
"Cricket" doll, company's first promotional product, ships in U.S.

1988
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles® launch in the U.S.

1990
Group sales exceed $500 million, operating profits exceeds 38% of turnover as Turtle business explodes.

1991
Waterbabies® brand introduced in U.S.

1992
Playmates acquires master toy rights in Star Trek® franchise and launches collector line in U.S.

1993
Toy company spun off as separate listing on SEHK (Ticker:0635).

1997
Playmates's Nano® brand captures large share of worldwide virtual pet market.

Thomas Chan appointed Chairman as Sam Chan retires after 30 years.

1998
"AMAZING AMY" ships in U.S. - first of 6 best selling dolls in Amazing brand.

2000
Playmates revolutionizes collector business with Intelli-Tronic Simpsons® figures.

2001
Playmates Disney Princess® brand launches with "My Interactive Princess" Cinderella.

Lou Novak appointed President of toy group.

2002
Playmates becomes Disney's No. 1 large doll licensee.

2003
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles return with all NEW entertainment, products and marketing support.

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