News headlines and more from around the industry

Spin Master’s new puzzle dimension

Spin Master has announced it is to acquire Canadian 4D Brands International Inc, a puzzle model construction innovator.

Making its name with its Cityscape puzzles, the company has since developed a range of 3D model kits that allow consumers to build replicas of “well-known historical landmarks, pop culture elements and movie memorabilia”, including ranges from the likes of Star Wars, Disney, Harry Potter, Marvel, DC and more.

The deal is expected to be finalised in January 2023 and will boost Spin Master’s standing in the games and puzzles market, where it’s the third largest manufacturer globally and second largest in the US.

Spin Master co-founder Anton Rabie said: “At Spin Master, we’ve always been attracted to the timelessness and yearround enjoyment of puzzles. 4D puzzles offer innovation for a classic pastime and put puzzling under a new lens with new form factors, fantastic detail and a rich constructing experience.

“We love Shaun’s [4D Brands founder Shaun Sakdinan] approach to creative development, and as fellow entrepreneurs, have admired his journey to become a disruptive force within puzzles. We can’t wait to collaborate and grow together in our latest quest to infuse innovation into this strategic category.”

Spin Master’s global president and CEO Max Rangel added: “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. The acquisition of 4D will give Spin Master the opportunity to inject innovation into our puzzle portfolio with new form factors, iconic licences and elevated construction models that will inspire puzzlers, kids and families to reach for new heights in their next puzzle experience.”

Wrappers’ delight

In its latest PR initiative, Little Tikes has announced a search to find the best present wrappers in the UK to take on the mantle of Little Tikes Chief Present Officers.

The company is encouraging consumers to upload, share or post footage of them wrapping up Little TIkes products – using @officiallittletikesuk and #LittleTikesCPO - with the best winning not only the title, but also a toy bundle worth £100. That will go to regional winners in the four nations with a further Republic of Ireland winner too. And the overall winner will pick up £1,000 worth of product for a nursery or school of their choice.

Submissions are open until the end of the year.

Alaina Cornish, senior brand manager at Little Tikes UK said: “We’re on the lookout for our new Chief Present Officers and while competition will be fierce, applicants who champion imagination, creativity, presentation and of course, Christmas spirit will stand in good stead to be the winner.”

A night on the tiles

Mattel has enlisted the help of Internet pranksters Sam Thompson and Zara McDermott to help push its new take on Scrabble, Trap Tiles.

The duo signed up as part of the marketing for the first new change in the word game’s near-75 year history as Mattel also unveiled research into board game habits of the British public.

The game sees players being allowed to set traps for their rivals, as well as stealing points and tiles, with the idea of sabotaging opponents adding a new dimension.

Mattel’s research showed that more than half of adults – almost six in 10 – admitted to bending the rules but they rarely get away with it. Of those that had cheated, two-thirds had been caught.

The research also highlighted some interesting points for the trade, not least that 57% saw playing board games as a Christmas family tradition and respondents would play an average of FOUR different games over the seasonal period. More than a quarter – 27% – play the same games over the festive period, but, intriguingly, almost a third (31%) play a mixture of old AND new games.

Playmobil

takes the Mickey

Playmobil has scored a coup by inking its first-ever deal with the mighty Disney that will see characters from the Mouse House joining the company’s 1.2.3 range.

It’s the first major licensing deal for the range and the first fruits of the deal will appear in summer 2023 with the launch of six playsets. These will feature Disney stalwarts Mickey and Minnie Mouse as well as Winnie the Pooh and pals Tigger and Piglet.

The announcement of the deal noted: “Each of the Disney playsets includes multiple educational features based on three connected learning stages, that support a child’s individual development. Thus, parents can easily choose the right toy to help improve their toddler’s skills.”

It continued: “The cute Playmobil toy sets inspired by both Disney characters help toddlers explore the world and support them in developing skills needed as a foundation for their future.’’