By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Spin Master has reached an agreement to acquire the Canadian-based puzzle company, 4D Brands International. "As part of our long-term growth strategy, we're focused on finding new, pathbreaking acquisitions that will further expand our presence in key categories of play, as well as expanding our reach and connection with consumers," said … [Read more...] about Spin Master Puts the Pieces Together To Acquire Puzzle Company
Toys and Games
Toy Association Names Top STEAM Toys for 2022
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter The Toy Association has unveiled its Holiday 2022 STEAM Toy Guide, which includes 30 officially accredited STEAM-based toys. The STEAM Toy Guide features hands-on toys and activities that engage kids in science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Each toy on the list has passed a strict product evaluation process to earn an official … [Read more...] about Toy Association Names Top STEAM Toys for 2022
Who’s News: Spielwarenmesse eG Appoints Carol Rapp as Joint Director of Friedhelm Merz Verlag
By Allison WatkinsonTLL ReporterSpielwarenmesse eG has appointed Carol Rapp as its new joint director for the company's subsidiary, Friedhelm Merz Verlag.Friedhelm Merz Verlag is a German gaming event company that was acquired as a subsidiary by Spielwarenmesse eG in early 2022. Rapp will assume joint responsibility of Friedhelm Merz Verlag with the two existing directors, … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Spielwarenmesse eG Appoints Carol Rapp as Joint Director of Friedhelm Merz Verlag
MGA Makes a Half-Billion Move Into Animation, Acquires Pixel Zoo
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief MGA Entertainment, Inc. (MGA) has unveiled MGA Studios, an independent subsidiary backed with more than a half billion dollars in cash and assets. MGA also announced it has acquired Pixel Zoo Animation, a leading global digital animation studio, as MGA Studio's first acquistion. The company says the big move underscores MGA’s continued … [Read more...] about MGA Makes a Half-Billion Move Into Animation, Acquires Pixel Zoo
Who’s News: Deborah Thomas Set to Retire from Hasbro, Inc
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Hasbro, Inc. has announced that its Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Deborah Thomas is retiring from the company. “In her 24 years at Hasbro, Deb has been instrumental in transitioning Hasbro from a toy and game company to a global branded entertainment leader,” said Chris Cocks, Hasbro Chief Executive Officer. “Deb … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Deborah Thomas Set to Retire from Hasbro, Inc
McFarlane Toys Spawns New ‘Phygital’ Collectibles For Fans
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The company that launched the Spawn franchise is now spawning a collection of new 'phygital' products. McFarlane Toys, the toy company founded by comic book creator Todd McFarlane, will be releasing its first-ever digital collection featuring classic McFarlane Toys' characters including Spawn, The Redeemer, and The Clown, with the first … [Read more...] about McFarlane Toys Spawns New ‘Phygital’ Collectibles For Fans
Prospero Hall Releases Long Awaited Jurassic World Board Game
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Prospero Hall has released a licensed board game called Jurassic World: The Legacy of Isla Nublar for Funko Games. Prospero Hall, previously known as Forrest-Pruzan Creative, is a board game developer that was acquired in 2019 by the pop-culture consumer products company Funko Inc. The developer is responsible for designing licensed … [Read more...] about Prospero Hall Releases Long Awaited Jurassic World Board Game
Toy Licensing: PhatMojo Appoints Mix Licensing For Global Representation
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter PhatMojo has appointed Mix Licensing Group to grow their licensing portfolio and form new master toy partnerships. Mix Licensing will be responsible for evaluating brands in the categories of entertainment, gaming, pop-culture and more to expand PhatMojo’s master toy programs and maximize retail impact. “It is exciting to work with such … [Read more...] about Toy Licensing: PhatMojo Appoints Mix Licensing For Global Representation
Wizards of the Coast, Post Malone Team Up for Secret Lair Cards
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The three-time diamond selling musician Post Malone is designing art for Magic: The Gathering's Secret Lair playing cards. Malone is partnering with Hasbro's Wizard of the Coast division mainly because he is a well-known Magic: The Gathering enthusiast, who will now be included in the game. Secret Lair is a direct-to-consumer, … [Read more...] about Wizards of the Coast, Post Malone Team Up for Secret Lair Cards
Mattel Celebrates Masters of the Universe 40th Anniversary
By Allison WatkinsonTLL Reporter Mattel, Inc. marks the 40th birthday of the licensed Masters of the Universe franchise with new content. “We are so excited to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Masters of the Universe," said PJ Lewis, Vice President of Global Marketing and Portfolio Leader at Mattel. "The He-Man brand and everything it represents—including the tenets … [Read more...] about Mattel Celebrates Masters of the Universe 40th Anniversary