Mattel Toys launches Scrabble Original

Company press release, May 31, 2003

Mumbai

Mattel Toys (I) Pvt. Ltd., the 100 % subsidiary of Mattel Inc., the leading toy manufacturer in the world has launched 'Scrabble Original' in India. The launch of high quality scrabble pack of international standards marks the entry of Mattel into the dynamic 'games and puzzles' category of the Indian toy industry.

To mark the launch, Mattel Toys has also entered into a tie-up with the coffee chain Barista for promoting Scrabble in India. ' Scrabble Original' will now be an added attraction of Barista across all its 133 outlets spread across the country. Barista customers can now enjoy the game of Scrabble Original along with their favorite cup of coffee. The coffee chain will also be the venue for 'Scrabble Contests' in the future.

According to Ms. Nanette D'sa, Marketing Director, Mattel Toys (I) Pvt. Ltd. " Scrabble is undoubtedly the world's most popular word game which has a considerable following in India. By launching 'Scrabble Original' and also by introducing the game in outlets like Barista for people to come and play, we hope to further enhance the popularity of the game in the country.

According to Yogesh Samat, COO, Barista Coffee Company Ltd. " It has always been our endeavour to give our customers the best. Scrabble fits in well with the Barista experience, where customers indulge in their favourite game over their favourite cup of coffee. Scrabble and coffee complement each other perfectly."

The much-awaited Scrabble pack of international quality is priced at Rs. 599/- and is available at all leading toys and departmental stores across the country.

About Mattel Toys (India) Private Limited:

Mattel Toys (India) Private Limited is a subsidiary of Mattel Inc., a worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of family products. Mattel's portfolio in India includes world-renowned toy brands like Barbie, Hot Wheels and Fisher-Price. The company has a strong presence in the branded toys market and is committed to delivering superior quality and safe toy products with high play value.

About Scrabble:

Now in its 55th year, with over 100 million sets of the game having being sold in 29 different languages in 121 countries, Scrabble is by far the worlds best selling word game.

About Barista Coffee Company Limited:

The Barista Coffee Company Ltd. is the largest retailer of fine coffees in India. It operates through a chain of Espresso Bars under the "Barista" brand name. Currently, Barista in India has over 130 Barista Espresso Bars and Corners across Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Goa, Chandigarh, Pune, Ludhiana, Lucknow, Kanpur and Simla.

Barista plans to spread across the metros and will be located as stand-alone 'flagship' outlets, Espresso Bars as well as Espresso corners, in large retail outlets and shopping centers. Barista traces its roots back to the old coffee houses in Italy- the hotbeds of poetry, love, music, writing, revolution, and of course, fine coffee. Drawing inspiration from them, we have taken on the objective of transporting the magic of Italian coffee houses to our chosen locations. To deliver an authentic Italian experience, we have sourced only the finest quality 100% Arabica coffees, which are roasted as per the specifications of our Italian roast master. And have had our cafes designed to reflect the warmth, culture and romance of Italy.

For details contact:

Rajdeep Barooah

Perfect Relations

Tel: 24367155/7943

Fax: 24384654

E-mail: rbarooah@perfectrelations.com