Upper Deck Unveils Plans For Newly-Acquired Fleer

Upper Deck has announced plans for the recently acquired Fleer brand trademarks, product names and its die-cast collectibles business.

Upper Deck will begin producing and distributing Fleer branded sports cards to the marketplace in late-December, with 2005-06 Fleer Basketball (SRP $1.59). The landmark purchase of Fleer assets gives Upper Deck an instant historic presence in the sports collectibles and die-cast industries.

In addition, beginning in 2006 the company will release its first die-cast collectibles under the Upper Deck name. Following the late-December release of Fleer Basketball (SRP $1.59), both Flair Showcase Baseball (SRP $4.99) and Fleer Ultra Hockey (SRP $2.99) will hit store shelves in January.

Upper Deck will continue to release products from each sport throughout the year thereafter collectors have a chance to catch an advanced peek at Fleer branded products at the Toronto Fall Hockey Expo in November, in which Upper Deck will showcase oversized images from 2006 Fleer Ultra Hockey.

“Fleer has built up a strong heritage and following with collectors,” said Joe Fallon, Director of Product Development for Upper Deck. “We feel that by carefully managing the portfolio in each sport collectors will have exciting new Fleer brands to look forward to in 2006 and beyond.”

In addition, Upper Deck has begun to move forward with creating and distributing die-cast models that collectors have come to enjoy over the years. The licensed line of Fleer die-cast vehicles released will span across all sports and be branded Upper Deck.

“Each release of Fleer die-cast product was widely anticipated and popular amongst collectors, and sports fans due in no small part to their focus on the detail and quality of their die-cast vehicles,” said Tim Muret, Vice-President of Upper Deck Authenticated. “We look forward to building upon that tradition of quality product while bringing Upper Deck’s passion for innovation to the product line.”

2006 Fleer Sports Card Releases:

MLB: Flair Showcase (January), Fleer (February), Greats of the Game (May), Fleer EX (May).

NBA: Hoops (January) and Greats of the Game (June)

NFL: Fleer Ultra (May) and Fleer (June)

NHL: Ultra (January) and Hot Prospects (June)