Cards Inc., the English card manufacturer and distributor announced the acquisition of several very interesting new licenses including the right to create one/third scale pewter Lord Of The Rings figures.  Cards Inc. has acquired a license from New Line Cinema for the LOTR figures, which will range in size from 12-26 inches.  The first of these pewter figures should be available in late 2003, with additional releases over the next two years.

Cards Inc., also acquired the right to produce a number of items based on Universal's Van Helsing -- the first classic Universal Horror film in some sixty years.  Van Helsing is scheduled for release in 2004 and Cards Inc. will have a number of products including lenticular cards, film cels, lithographs, statues, bobble heads, cookie jars, and standees.

Cards Inc. will also produce, under license from MGM and the Roger Richman agency, a number of collectibles based on the works of the actor Steve McQueen focusing on The Magnificent Seven and The Great Escape.  In addition to trading cards and statues Cards Inc. is also preparing action figures featuring Steve McQueen in the movie roles that defined his cinematic personality.

The other major acquisition announced by Cards Inc. involves trading cards, binders, 6' and 12' action figures and bendable figures based on the Pink Panther movie series.  Cards Inc. will produce these items under license from MGM and the IMG Group, which represents the estate of Peter Sellers.