Raving Toy Maniac

Spin Master Ltd. Continues Growth Through Recent Acquisitions

Through the acquisition of Meccano (Known as Erector Set in the U.S.), Spin Master, Canada's Largest Toy Manufacturer, Grows its Global Portfolio to Create New Ways for Kids to be Entertained, Engaged and Play.

TORONTO, Aug. 14, 2013 - Spin Master Ltd., Canada's largest children's toy and entertainment company, is transforming its organization through recent acquisitions and a strengthened executive team to build a more immersive toy, entertainment and gaming offering.

Hot off the heels of key successful acquisitions, including Spy Gear and Perplexus, Spin Master just acquired Meccano (known as Erector Set in the U.S.), the world's most timeless toy construction brand, with a 112 year history.

Spin Master Ltd. and DreamWorks Animation Take Flight with Exclusive Global Licensing Relationship for DreamWorks Dragons Franchise

Toy Line from Hit TV Series DreamWorks Dragons: Riders of Berk to Debut in Fall of 2013

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 19, 2013 - To forge an alliance worthy of the great Vikings and dragons of Berk, Spin Master Ltd., one of the leading toy manufacturers in the world and DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. have entered into an exclusive licensing relationship in which Spin Master will serve as the worldwide master toy licensee for the DreamWorks Dragons slate of upcoming franchise properties, which includes a television series as well as the much-anticipated sequel to the original film.

Stratego – The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug Game

The Unexpected Journey Comes to Boardgames Fall 2013

Los Angeles, CA – February 10, 2013 – Spin Master Games and Warner Bros. Consumer Products have teamed up to create Stratego – The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug Game based on The Hobbit Trilogy, including the blockbuster The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, as well as the highly anticipated second and third films, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug and The Hobbit: There and Back Again, productions of New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures (MGM).

"Building on the success of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, we are excited to partner with Warner Bros. Consumer Products on games for The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug," said Ivory Jones, Brand Manager Games at Spin Master. "Our 'Stratego – The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug' Game lets The Hobbit Trilogy fans and strategy-game fans alike relive the excitement and fantasy of the films."

Disney at American International Toy Fair 2013

(RTM note - this is a long one, with lots of nifty gems mentioned, such as the LEGO Lone Ranger license...)

GLENDALE, CA (Feb. 5, 2013) - Innovation, creativity and powerful storytelling are the hallmarks of the 2013 toy line from Disney Consumer Products (DCP).

Some of the most innovative toys are from the new Monsters University toy collection and include features like sound and light detection technology and facial sync technology to allow for more interactive play than ever before, while The Little Mermaid and Disney Junior toy lines incorporate music and character voices to bring the products to life.

Sparking imagination, these toys capture the magic of playtime with evergreen play patterns. Here is a highlight of the top products from DCP at Toy Fair 2013:

DISNEY/PIXAR ANIMATION

Monsters University
Mike Wazowski and James P. Sullivan are an inseparable pair, but this was not always the case. Monsters University tells the story of how these two mismatched monsters overcame their differences and became the best of friends.

Spin Master Ltd. Acquires Key Brands from Wild Planet

Popular Brands Include Spy Gear & Hyper Dash

TORONTO, Nov. 26, 2012 - Spin Master Ltd. one of the world's most innovative children's toy and entertainment companies is pleased to announce the acquisition of the worldwide rights to Wild Planet's Hyper Dash and Spy Gear brands. Intrepid Investment Bankers LLC acted as exclusive financial advisor to Wild Planet in connection with this transaction.

"We are very excited with the acquisition of Spy Gear and other key Wild Planet assets," states Anton Rabie, Co-CEO and Founder of Spin Master Ltd. "We feel that there is great opportunity to breathe freshness, excitement and engage kids for these new Spin Master brands. Over the last two years we have been extremely focused on building the company by searching for the right acquisitions that fit with our core capabilities to innovate and market."

Spin Master Ltd. is energized about the opportunity to reinvent and bring a fresh approach to these exciting brands. Spy Gear and Hyper Dash all have proven track records and will provide new and sustainable growth for the company.

Nickelodeon Debuts Its Strongest Entertainment Toy Portfolio Ever With New Products For Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Winx Club, Team Umizoomi, Dora, SpongeBob, and Victorious at Toy Fair 2012

Playmates Toys, JAKKS Pacific, Fisher-Price, The LEGO Group, and Spin Master Will Partner with Nickelodeon to Unveil New Toys for 2012

NEW YORK, Feb. 9, 2012 -- Nickelodeon is headed to Toy Fair 2012 with its most comprehensive and diversified toy portfolio ever, based on popular entertainment brands for preschoolers, kids, and tweens. Nickelodeon will unveil products for both new and established properties, including Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Winx Club, Team Umizoomi, Dora the Explorer, SpongeBob SquarePants, and Victorious.