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Gene Simmons
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KISS Legend Gene Simmons to Serve as Co-Managing Director of New Boxing Venture, BBKO
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 14, 2005--Los Angeles-based BBKO Ltd. has officially announced that rock legend Gene Simmons has been named co-managing director of the company. BBKO is a 21st-century boxing venture based in Los Angeles that seeks to broaden the sport beyond its traditional ring by infusing it with equally hard-hitting entertainment. The company was originally co-founded, and its business plan developed, by Simmons prior to its July 2005 acquisition by Orbit Brands Corporation (Nasdaq:OBTV).
KISS has broken box office records set by Elvis and The Beatles and continues to be the juggernaut of licensing/merchandising, with over 2,500 licenses. Among the marketing and merchandising accomplishments of the band:
-- Visa partnered with the band to create a branded KISS Visa card.
-- The KISS Cannon camera recently debuted in Japan.
-- KISS has done commercials for both Pepsi and Coca Cola, among other advertisers.
-- KISS and Warner Bros. have just begun work on "KISS Babies," a new cartoon show.
-- A KISS Broadway show is currently in development.
-- NASCAR and KISS have had an enduring partnership for five years (The KISS/NHRA Hot Rod won the Las Vegas NHRA race a year ago).
-- KISS has three NHRA Hot Rods.
As an individual and rock icon himself, Gene Simmons:
-- Discovered Van Halen and produced their 15-song demo.
-- Managed the music career of Liza Minnelli and others.
-- Produced the New Line movie Detroit Rock City.
-- Created and Executive Produced the hit Nickelodeon cartoon "My Dad the Rock Star," created the popular Oxygen series smash "Mr. Romance" and is currently shepherding "Gene Simmons' Rock School," a new reality show for VH1, and "Gene Simmons' Family Jewels," a reality show for A&E to debut this Fall, as well as 12 other Simmons-created shows including "Trophy Wife," "Wild One," "Oh Baby" and others.
-- Has written two New York Times best-sellers: "Kiss and Make-up" and "Sex Money Kiss."
-- Has published his own magazine, Sterling MacFadden's Gene Simmons Tongue, and is about to debut his new magazine, Gene Simmons Game.
-- Co-starred in the Michael Crichton movie "Runaway," in the action drama "Wanted: Dead or Alive" and in the teen comedy "The New Guy." He has also guest starred on myriad television series including "Miami Vice," "The Hitchhiker," "Family Guy" and as a guest judge on "American Idol."
-- Heads his own record label, Simmons Records/Sanctuary Music.
-- Heads his own DVD label, Simmons Audio Visual.
-- Heads his own publishing imprint, Simmons Books/Phoenix Books.
"Besides being an accomplished entrepreneur, Gene has a canny sense of how entertainment can organically enhance a sports institution such as boxing," stated Joe Cellura, chairman and CEO of Orbit Brands Corporation. "His active involvement in BBKO will fuel the growth of the company in all areas, and we enthusiastically welcome him aboard."
About BBKO
A wholly-owned subsidiary of Orbit Brands Corporation, BBKO is a 21st-century boxing venture that seeks to broaden the sport of boxing beyond its traditional ring by infusing it with equally hard-hitting entertainment. The company will recruit and market up to 20 fighters with world-class potential, along with the world's best boxing trainers and managers. Partnering with major network partners, BBKO is developing television programming to be shot in compelling venues with celebrity participation and top-rate production values. BBKO reveals its unique hybrid nature through its acronym: "Beats" (musical artists who root for competitors through various genres, from rap to rock), "Bouts" (the contests themselves), and "Knockouts" (a fitting metaphor for young ladies whose presence will prove inspirational to all).
About Orbit Brands Corporation
Orbit Brands Corporation is a publicly traded Delaware Corporation listed on the NASDAQ. The primary focus of the Company is growth via the acquisition and development of early-stage, high-growth companies in the technology, health and fitness, and consumer goods industries. Orbit Brands Corporation is positioned to identify, acquire, fund and develop these companies for the purpose of creating business and shareholder value. Website: www.orbitbrandscorp.com.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Gene Simmons and partner Richard Abramson will be speaking at the Value Rich Small Cap Stock Expo at the Jacob Javits Center (Galleria Pavilion) in New York, on Thursday, September 15 at 3:00 p.m. They will be available for interview on-site, and interested media should contact Eric Green at B/W/R for credentials.
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS: Statements regarding financial matters in this press release other than historical facts are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Company intends that such statements about the Company's future expectations, including future revenues and earnings, and all other forward-looking statements, shall be subject to the safe harbors created thereby. Since these statements (future operational results and sales) involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change at any time, the Company's actual results may differ materially from the expected results.
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DHB Special (September 154, 2005)
