LeapFrog and HIT Entertainment Announce Partnership to Distribute Digital Content

EMERYVILLE, Calif., Dec. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE:LF), the leader in educational entertainment, and HIT Entertainment, one of the world's leading independent children's entertainment producers and rights-owners, today announced a partnership to distribute downloadable content through LeapFrog's new digital App Center. Beginning this month, HIT's engaging and inspiring learning content starring characters from the popular Thomas & Friends™ and Fireman Sam™ series will be available via the App Center.

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"We are very excited to expand our digital learning library with a brand like HIT that shares a similar promise to entertain kids while they learn some of life's most important lessons," said Jill Waller, vice president at LeapFrog. "By offering content starring kid-favorite characters like Thomas and Fireman Sam, parents can be assured that their kids are learning while having fun."

The first six apps will include three Thomas & Friends videos and three Fireman Sam videos. For kids ages 3-6, the videos illustrate life lessons relating to self-esteem, building friendships, and health and safety.

"HIT is dedicated to providing kids with trusted, entertaining content, and we are thrilled to offer fans Thomas & Friends and Fireman Sam on these two popular children's platforms," said Natasha Fishman, senior vice president, Global Brand Management and Digital Media at HIT Entertainment.  "HIT and LeapFrog have collaborated for many years and we are delighted to expand our partnership into the digital space."

Availability

LeapFrog Learning Apps, MSRP $5-$10, are available for purchase in the LeapFrog App Center which is accessed through the LeapFrog Connect Application for LeapPad Explorer™ and Leapster Explorer™ platforms.  LeapPad Explorer (MSRP $99.99, for children ages 4-9) and Leapster Explorer (MSRP $69.99, for children ages 4-9) are currently available at major retail locations and at www.leapfrog.com. 

For more information on LeapPad Explorer, Leapster Explorer and other LeapFrog products, visit www.leapfrog.com. 

About LeapFrog

LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc. is an education innovator and a leading developer of educational entertainment for children. LeapFrog's award-winning product portfolio is designed to help children achieve their full potential by delivering best-in-class curriculum through engaging and age-appropriate technology-based platforms and toys. The Learning Path, LeapFrog's proprietary online destination for parents and extended family, provides personalized feedback on a child's learning progress and offers product recommendations to enhance each child's learning experience. Through the power of play, LeapFrog's products and curriculum help children of all ages prepare for life and academic success. LeapFrog's products are available in more than 45 countries and have been used by teachers in more than 100,000 US classrooms. LeapFrog is based in Emeryville, California and was founded in 1995 by a father who revolutionized technology-based learning solutions to help his child learn how to read. Come see the learning at www.leapfrog.com.

TM & Copyright © 2011 LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

About HIT Entertainment

HIT Entertainment is one of the world's leading independent children's entertainment producers and rights-owners. HIT's portfolio includes properties, such as Thomas & Friends™, Barney™, Bob the Builder™, Fireman Sam™, Angelina Ballerina™, Mike the Knight™, Pingu™ and Rainbow Magic™. Launched in 1989, HIT's lines of business span television and video production, content distribution, publishing, consumer products licensing and live events and has operations in the UK, US, Canada, Hong Kong and Japan.  HIT is a part-owner of US-based preschool channel, Sprout®. For more information, visit www.hitentertainment.com.

SOURCE LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc.