Amsbra and Bear Factory Acquired by Build-a-Bear Workshop For $41.5m

(London: 2nd April 2006) Build-A-Bear Workshop Inc., an interactive, entertainment retailer of customised stuffed animals, today completed the simultaneous purchase of Amsbra Limited, the holder of the Build-A-Bear Workshop franchise in the UK & Eire, and The Bear Factory, owned by Hamleys Limited for approximately $41.4m.

Following the deal, Build-A-Bear Workshop intends to re-brand the Bear Factory store portfolio and merge it with the existing portfolio in the UK to create a network of approximately 40 stores in the UK & Eire.

Bear Factory had revenues of $38.6m in the year to 28th March 2005 and Amsbra recorded revenues of $6.0m in the calendar year to 31st December 2005.

Commenting on the transaction, Rupert Ashe, partner of Wall House Consulting said: "This is a very elegant consolidation deal that establishes a strong international platform for Build-A-Bear Workshop Inc. in Europe. It creates a national store network for Build-A-Bear Workshop in the UK and allows the company to more fully develop its brand profile outside the UDA and Canada. For the shareholders of both Amsbra and Hamleys, it is a natural exit."

For further information: Rupert Ashe at 0207 812 6567

BUILD-A-BEAR WORKSHOP, INC.

Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. is the only global company that offers an interactive make-your-own-stuffed animal retail-entertainment experience. Founded in St. Louis in 1997, the company currently operates more than 200 stores in the United States and Canada. The addition of franchise stores in Europe, Asia and Australia make Build-A-Bear Workshop the leader in interactive retail. In November 2004, the company expanded the make-your-own concept from stuffed animals to dolls with the opening of its first friends 2B made(R), in which Guests can make their own dolls. Build-A-Bear Workshop (NYSE: BBW) posted total revenue of $362 million in fiscal 2005. For more information, call 888.560.BEAR (2327) or visit the company's award-winning Web sites at www.buildabear.com and www.friends2bmade.com