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PLAYMONSTER PARTNERS WITH HASBRO TO DEBUT FLIX STIX, THE LATEST KOOSH® INNOVATION BASED ON LACROSSE

Koosh

The Easy to Catch, Hard to Put Down!™ Koosh Brand Levels-Up in 2022

BELOIT, Wis. (February 23, 2022) – PlayMonster and Hasbro partner again in 2022 to reveal sensational new ways to Koosh®, with Koosh Flix Stix! Drawing from lacrosse, one of the fastest growing sports in America, the Koosh Flix Stix is inspired by the fast-flowing game where two teams scoop, pass, and shoot a ball as they move across a field. Now families can enjoy a new twist on this game with the Easy to Catch, Hard to Put Down!™ Koosh Ball and Koosh Flix Stix!

Perfect for hours of outdoor fun, families can test their skills and go head-to-head with Koosh Flix Stix. Each set comes with 2 Flix Stix and 1 Koosh Ball. Koosh Flix Stix retails for $24.99 and will be available at retailers everywhere by Fall 2022.

For more information visit Playmonster.com.


About PlayMonster

PlayMonster, a leading international toy and game company, believes in the power of play to make a positive difference in people’s lives and strives to keep play alive for all ages by delivering great play value through designing, manufacturing, and marketing innovative and fun toys, games and activities. PlayMonster’s diversified portfolio includes popular brands and products such as “TOTY Game of the Year” Yeti in My Spaghetti®, plus THINGS…®, 5 Second Rule®, Relative Insanity®, Farkle, Five Crowns®, Spirograph®, Colorforms, My Fairy Garden®, Fashion Plates®, Latchkits®, Snap Ships®, Koosh® and the recently acquired Ann Williams Group including Loopdedoo®, Craft-Tastic®, Craft Crush™ and Sticker & Chill™.

 

About Hasbro

Hasbro (NASDAQ: HAS) is a global play and entertainment company committed to making the world a better place for all children, fans and families. Hasbro delivers immersive brand experiences for global audiences through consumer products, including toys and games; entertainment through eOne, its independent studio; and gaming, led by the team at Wizards of the Coast, an award-winning developer of tabletop and digital games best known for fantasy franchises MAGIC: THE GATHERING and DUNGEONS & DRAGONS. The company’s unparalleled portfolio of approximately 1,500 brands includes MAGIC: THE GATHERING, NERF, MY LITTLE PONY, TRANSFORMERS, PLAY-DOH, MONOPOLY, BABY ALIVE, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, POWER RANGERS, PEPPA PIG and PJ MASKS, as well as premier partner brands. For the past decade, Hasbro has been consistently recognized for its corporate citizenship, including being named one of the 100 Best Corporate Citizens by 3BL Media and one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere Institute. Important business and brand updates are routinely shared on our Investor Relations website, Newsroom and social channels (@Hasbro on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.)

© 2022 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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For More Information, Please Contact:                                              

Lisa Wuennemann

PlayMonster LLC

lisa.wuennemann@playmonster.com

 

Sierra Percy-Beauregard

ChizComm (on behalf of PlayMonster)

Spercy-beauregard@chizcomm.com

 

To learn more about PlayMonster, visit playmonster.com

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TIMELESS SPIROGRAPH BRAND EXPANDS WITH THREE NEW PRODUCTS IN 2022

Pm Spirograh

BELOIT, Wis. (February 22, 2022) — The classic Spirograph craft activity reaches a new generation of creators in 2022, with the help of PlayMonster and The Walt Disney Company. The latest innovations will introduce 3D play, sets and clips inspired by various The Walt Disney Company franchises, and trending Mandala designs to captivate children and adults of all ages.

Developed in 1965, Spirograph stimulates children’s creativity, by giving them the power to create endless spiral designs using gears, precision rings, wheels, and colored markers. With 16 variations of the Original Spirograph, PlayMonster is excited to welcome three new styles to the household brand. 2022 highlights include:

Spirograph 3D | $14.99 | Ages 8+

The classic way to create countless amazing designs, Spirograph, turns a blank page into a beautiful work of art. Inspiring generations of artists for over 50 years, Spirograph is taking their classic spiral-design sets to new heights with new 3D sets. Combining the time-tested creativity with 3D fun, Spirograph 3D allows young artists to create amazing art that pops right off the paper! Make endless dimensional designs that will dazzle your eyes! For kids 8+.

Spirograph Cyclex Clips and Spirograph Cyclex Studio | $5.99 and $19.99  | Ages 5+

Stepping into the world of Disney, Spirograph is now available in on-the-go fun with Cyclex Clips, featuring popular characters from kid’s favorite movies and shows! Clip Star Wars™ The Mandalorian’s Grogu, Disney Frozen’s Elsa, Disney and Pixar Toy Story’s Buzz Lightyear, and Disney Mickey Mouse on a backpack or gym bag, and show off your love of Disney. Then, unclip it to use the Spirograph drawing tool whenever you’re feeling crafty! Featuring a special Cyclex drawing tool that combines the wheel and gears together, Spirograph Cyclex Clips make drawing fun and easy for kids 5+.

Fan-favorite designs inspired by Grogu and Elsa are also available in the new Spirograph Cyclex Studio sets, which include multiple stencils, with pens and paper for endless art designs!

Spirograph Mandala Maker | $24.99 | Ages 8+

Mandala designs have been a popular trend in both art and social media for quite some time now, and you guessed it, Spirograph is joining in on the fun. Spirograph Mandala Maker picks up on the popular trend of Mandala and appeals to the older crafting artist! With this set, artists can create beautiful large-scale Spirograph artwork using the interchangeable Mandala wheel. Color in and add to the Mandala art as you want! It’s a great way to inspire tweens, teens, and adults to reconnect with Spirograph fun!

 

For more information, please visit www.playmonster.com.

Lucasfilm, the Lucasfilm logo, STAR WARS and related properties are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. © & TM Lucasfilm Ltd.

About PlayMonster

PlayMonster, a leading international toy and game company, believes in the power of play to make a positive difference in people’s lives and strives to keep play alive for all ages by delivering great play value through designing, manufacturing, and marketing innovative and fun toys, games and activities. PlayMonster’s diversified portfolio includes popular brands and products such as “TOTY Game of the Year” Yeti in My Spaghetti®, plus THINGS…®, 5 Second Rule®, Relative Insanity®, Farkle, Five Crowns®, Spirograph®, Colorforms, My Fairy Garden®, Fashion Plates®, Latchkits®, Snap Ships®, Koosh®, and the recently acquired Ann Williams Group including Loopdedoo®, Craft-Tastic®, Craft Crush™ and Sticker & Chill™.

 

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For More Information, Please Contact:

Lisa Wuennemann
PlayMonster LLC
(800) 524-4263
lisa.wuennemann@playmonster.com

Sierra Percy-Beauregard
ChizComm (on behalf of PlayMonster)
Spercy-beauregard@chizcomm.com
416.659.5807

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PLAYMONSTER BRINGS HASBRO’S PLAYSKOOL BRANDS TO A NEW GENERATION OF LITTLE ONES IN 2022

Playskool

Playskool’s Glo Friends, Little Wonders, and Magnatab Grow PlayMonster’s Toddler Category

 

BELOIT, Wis. (February 21, 2021) – The iconic Playskool® brand will reach a new generation of children in 2022, as PlayMonster partners with Hasbro to reimagine the beloved brand. For over 90 years, the Playskool name has been synonymous with quality toys and classic, learning fun. Today’s Playskool products continue this reputation, with new evergreen toys that will grow with families, and the launch of the first ever preschool brand that teaches Social Emotional Learning (SEL) in fun and playful ways.

 

Pillar brands in 2022 will include:

 

Playskool Glo Friends™ | Ages 2+ | From $12.99 – $39.99

This community of adorable, glow-in-the-dark bugs will illuminate a child’s world from morning to night. Each bug and playset in the Playskool Glo Friends line has fidget features and elements designed to teach the cornerstones of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) with kids. Using unique guides such as fidget features, movement moments and breath breaks, this collection brings learning and fun together into one fun toyetic play expression. The Playskool Glo Friends collection includes Glo Friends Story Packs, which feature softcover storybooks and a light-up Glo Friend toy; interactive fidget playsets that can also function as a night-lights; and an interactive soft character with four modes of play!

 

Playskool Little Wonders™ | Ages 6+ | From $12.99 – $34.99

These beautiful sensory playsets are made from sustainable wood, and infused with pops of color and engaging delights like lights, sounds and music. These toys encourage children to learn and grow while making discoveries about themselves and their world. The Playskool Little Wonders collection includes a Gimme-A-Ring™ play phone where you can record a special message for your little one; See-A-Key™ keyring with light-up buttons and adorable animal keys; and Pop-A-Tune™ piano with traditional and silly piano sounds.

 

The Original Magnatab® | Ages 3+ | From $19.99 – $29.99

This Montessori-learning, sensory-based drawing tablet uses magnets and a stylus to teach letters, shapes and numbers, with the possibility to free-draw whatever a child can imagine! Hear the click of the beads as they rise to the surface, then push them down to draw again. This tactical, interactive toy brings sensory and fidget play to every-day learning. Magnatab highlights include a selection of products that are great for at home use or the classroom, including Magnatab Free Draw;  Numbers & Shapes; A–Z Lowercase; and A–Z Uppercase.

PlayMonster Playskool brands will be widely available across retail, starting early 2022. For more information visit Playmonster.com.

 

About PlayMonster

PlayMonster, a leading international toy and game company, believes in the power of play to make a positive difference in people’s lives and strives to keep play alive for all ages by delivering great play value through designing, manufacturing, and marketing innovative and fun toys, games and activities. PlayMonster’s diversified portfolio includes popular brands and products such as “TOTY Game of the Year” Yeti in My Spaghetti®, plus THINGS…®, 5 Second Rule®, Relative Insanity®, Farkle, Five Crowns®, Spirograph®, Colorforms, My Fairy Garden®, Fashion Plates®, Latchkits®, Snap Ships®, Koosh®, and the recently acquired Ann Williams Group including Loopdedoo®, Craft-Tastic®, Craft Crush™ and Sticker & Chill™.

 

About Hasbro

Hasbro (NASDAQ: HAS) is a global play and entertainment company committed to making the world a better place for all children, fans and families. Hasbro delivers immersive brand experiences for global audiences through consumer products, including toys and games; entertainment through eOne, its independent studio; and gaming, led by the team at Wizards of the Coast, an award-winning developer of tabletop and digital games best known for fantasy franchises MAGIC: THE GATHERING and DUNGEONS & DRAGONS.

The company’s unparalleled portfolio of approximately 1,500 brands includes MAGIC: THE GATHERING, NERF, MY LITTLE PONY, TRANSFORMERS, PLAY-DOH, MONOPOLY, BABY ALIVE, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, POWER RANGERS, PEPPA PIG and PJ MASKS, as well as premier partner brands. For the past decade, Hasbro has been consistently recognized for its corporate citizenship, including being named one of the 100 Best Corporate Citizens by 3BL Media and one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere Institute.

Important business and brand updates are routinely shared on our Investor Relations website, Newsroom and social channels (@Hasbro on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.)

© 2022 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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For More Information, Please Contact:                                             

Lisa Wuennemann

PlayMonster LLC

lisa.wuennemann@playmonster.com

 

Sierra Percy-Beauregard

ChizComm (on behalf of PlayMonster)

Spercy-beauregard@chizcomm.com

 

To learn more about PlayMonster, visit playmonster.com

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PLAYMONSTER ANNOUNCES NEW LEADERSHIP TEAM AND GLOBAL APPROACH FOR 2022 AND BEYOND

CEO Tim Kilpin Shares New Global Structure with Accomplished C-Suite at the Helm

 

BELOIT, Wis. (February 11, 2022) — PlayMonster reaches a new milestone, as CEO Tim Kilpin announces a global organizational structure that will unify the company’s mission around the world. Today’s announcement signals a move towards unified initiatives and planning as one global company. PlayMonster’s Global Executive team will now include:

  • Gary Aigner, responsible for Global Design as PlayMonster’s Chief Design Officer
  • Rich Rooney, responsible for Global Operations as PlayMonster’s Chief Operations and Logistics Officer
  • Scott Flynn, responsible for Global Sales as PlayMonster’s Chief Commercial Officer

 

This news comes after PlayMonster announced a significant capital injection from global private equity firms Adams Street Partners and H.I.G Capital and the promotion of tenured industry leader Tim Kilpin to the role of CEO.

 

Tim Kilpin, CEO at PlayMonster, said: “We are stronger than ever as a global company, and we’re pleased with the opportunities ahead of us as we prepare to roll out our 2022 initiatives around the world.  We have great unity as an organization, as demonstrated by the strength of our senior leadership team, who are respected authorities in their departments, and bring incredible strategic insights to our mandate as a global company.”

 

For more information about PlayMonster, visit www.playmonster.com.

About PlayMonster

PlayMonster, a leading international toy and game company, believes in the power of play to make a positive difference in people’s lives and strives to keep play alive for all ages by delivering great play value through designing, manufacturing, and marketing innovative and fun toys, games and activities. PlayMonster’s diversified portfolio includes popular brands and products such as “TOTY Game of the Year” Yeti in My Spaghetti®, plus THINGS…®, 5 Second Rule®, Relative Insanity®, Farkle, Five Crowns®, Spirograph®, Colorforms, My Fairy Garden®, Fashion Plates®, Latchkits®, Snap Ships®, Koosh®, and the recently acquired Ann Williams Group including Loopdedoo®, Craft-Tastic®, Craft Crush™ and Sticker & Chill™.

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For More Information, Please Contact:

Lisa Wuennemann
PlayMonster LLC
(800) 524-4263 x275
lisa.wuennemann@playmonster.com

Sierra Percy-Beauregard
ChizComm (on behalf of PlayMonster)
416.659.5807
Spercy-beauregard@chizcomm.com

Posted on

PLAYMONSTER BRINGS AWARD-WINNING BLUEY LICENSE TO NEW ACTIVITIES IN 2022

Bluey

The Bluey License will come to life with Spirograph® and Colorforms®

 

BELOIT, Wis. (February 9, 2021) – Australia’s favorite Blue Heeler pup, Bluey, will be coming to exciting new brands in 2022, as PlayMonster announces a strategic licensing agreement with BBC Studios in 2022. Bluey has won the hearts of families around the world since it first launched in Australia in October 2018, and has quickly become a global hit. Now families in North America can share their love for Bluey with the award-winning license making its debut with Hasbro’s Spirograph® and 9 Story Brands’ Colorforms®.

New products in 2022 will include:

 

Bluey Spirograph Cyclex Studio | Ages 5+ | $19.99

Spirograph has made it possible for aspiring artists to create intricate geometrical designs using STEAM principles for over 50 years, and now this iconic, award-winning brand will inspire creativity with a new generation through the Spirograph Cyclex Studio featuring Bluey! This non-slip frame and self-advancing stencil wheel makes it easy for young artists to draw intricate Spirograph designs, and now they can have Bluey and Bingo help them along the way! Each unique character-shaped tool comes with Bluey branded stickers to enhance designs and make creating art fun for the whole family.

 

Bluey Spirograph Cyclex Clips | Ages 5+ | $5.99

Draw AMAZING Spirograph designs on the go with Spirograph Cyclex Clips, featuring Bluey! Take your favorite Bluey characters wherever you go by adding your Spirograph Cyclex Clips to backpacks, jackets, bags and more! When it’s time to get crafty, unclip the Spirograph drawing tool which combines the wheels together, and show off your love for Bluey while making beautiful drawings.

 

Bluey Colorforms® Boxed Playsets | Ages 3+ | $9.99

Colorforms® repositionable sets have inspired creative expression, imaginative storytelling, and fun for over 70 years, and now a generation of preschoolers can connect with the brand through their love for Bluey! Bluey Colorforms® Boxed Playsets come with over 100 repositionable Colorforms® pieces, 2 play scenes, and idea guide featuring Bluey!

 

Bluey Colorforms® Travel Sets | Ages 3+ | $4.99

Colorforms® Travel Playsets, let families take Bluey on-the-go! With over 50 repositionable pieces, double-sided scenes, and a resealable pocket, families can have fun creating anywhere with Bluey Colorforms® Travel Sets!

 

PlayMonster products featuring the Bluey license will be widely available across retail, starting early 2022. For more information visit Playmonster.com.

 

About PlayMonster

PlayMonster, a leading international toy and game company, believes in the power of play to make a positive difference in people’s lives and strives to keep play alive for all ages by delivering great play value through designing, manufacturing, and marketing innovative and fun toys, games and activities. PlayMonster’s diversified portfolio includes popular brands and products such as “TOTY Game of the Year” Yeti in My Spaghetti®, plus THINGS…®, 5 Second Rule®, Relative Insanity®, Farkle, Five Crowns®, Spirograph®, Colorforms®, My Fairy Garden®, Fashion Plates®, Latchkits®, Snap Ships®, Koosh®, and the recently acquired Ann Williams Group including Loopdedoo®, Craft-Tastic®, Craft Crush™ and Sticker & Chill™.

About Bluey

Bluey follows a loveable, inexhaustible 6-year-old Blue Heeler pup, Bluey, who lives with her Mum, Dad and her 4-year-old little sister, Bingo. The series showcases the everyday events of family life – from going to a restaurant and visiting the hairdressers to catching the bus or having a playdate – and celebrates these moments, turning ordinary experiences into extraordinary imagination-packed adventures. Bluey is produced by Ludo Studio for ABC KIDS (Australia) and co-commissioned by ABC Children’s and BBC Studios. Financed in association with Screen Australia, Bluey is proudly 100% created, written, animated, and post produced in Brisbane Queensland, Australia, with funding from the Queensland Government through Screen Queensland and the Australian Government.

About BBC Studios

BBC Studios, a global content company with British creativity at its heart, is a commercial subsidiary of the BBC. Formed in April 2018 by the merger of BBC Worldwide and BBC Studios, it spans content financing, development, production, sales, branded services, and ancillaries. BBC Studios’ award-winning British programs are internationally recognized across a broad range of genres and specialties. It has offices in 22 markets globally, including seven production bases in the UK and production bases and partnerships in a further nine countries around the world. The company, which makes over 2,500 hours of content a year, is a champion for British creativity around the world and a committed partner for the UK’s independent sector.

In the Americas, BBC Studios’ operates two production units – one in Los Angeles, responsible for ratings juggernaut and Emmy®-nominated Dancing with the Stars and multi-award-winning Life Below Zero, and the other in Brazil, where local productions Dancing Brasil and Bake Off Brasil have become breakout hits. The company manages joint venture relationships with AMC Networks for flagship channel BBC AMERICA (U.S.) – home of original series Killing Eve and global brands Dynasties, Doctor Who, and Top Gear – and with ITV for SVoD service BritBox (U.S./Canada), as well as strategic partnerships in Canada with Blue Ant Media for BBC Earth Channel and Corus for BBC Canada. The company also boasts a franchise management business and a robust linear and digital content sales and co-productions operation.

About Ludo Studio

Ludo is a multi-Emmy® and Logie award-winning Australian studio that creates and produces original scripted drama, animation and digital stories that are authored by incredible local talent, distributed globally and loved by audiences everywhere. ludostudio.com.au

About 9 Story Brands

9 Story Brands is the dedicated brand management and consumer products division of 9 Story Media Group, a leading content creator, producer and distributor of kids and family focused intellectual property. 9 Story Brands builds international entertainment brands for kids, with expertise across creative, brand marketing and licensing. 9 Story Brands manages merchandising rights for top children’s properties including Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Clifford The Big Red Dog, Colorforms®, Wild Kratts, Super Why! and Karma’s World.

About Hasbro

Hasbro (NASDAQ: HAS) is a global play and entertainment company committed to making the world a better place for all children, fans and families. Hasbro delivers immersive brand experiences for global audiences through consumer products, including toys and games; entertainment through eOne, its independent studio; and gaming, led by the team at Wizards of the Coast, an award-winning developer of tabletop and digital games best known for fantasy franchises MAGIC: THE GATHERING and DUNGEONS & DRAGONS. The company’s unparalleled portfolio of approximately 1,500 brands includes MAGIC: THE GATHERING, NERF, MY LITTLE PONY, TRANSFORMERS, PLAY-DOH, MONOPOLY, BABY ALIVE, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, POWER RANGERS, PEPPA PIG and PJ MASKS, as well as premier partner brands. For the past decade, Hasbro has been consistently recognized for its corporate citizenship, including being named one of the 100 Best Corporate Citizens by 3BL Media and one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere Institute. Important business and brand updates are routinely shared on our Investor Relations website, Newsroom and social channels (@Hasbro on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.)

© 2021 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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For More Information, Please Contact:                                              

Lisa Wuennemann

PlayMonster LLC

lisa.wuennemann@playmonster.com

 

Sierra Percy-Beauregard

ChizComm (on behalf of PlayMonster)

Spercy-beauregard@chizcomm.com

 

To learn more about PlayMonster, visit playmonster.com

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PLAYMONSTER TAKES OFF IN 2022 WITH SIGNIFICANT CAPITAL INJECTION AND NEW CEO

Adams Street Partners and H.I.G Capital Help Fuel PlayMonster’s Growth in 2022, Under the Leadership of New CEO Tim Kilpin

 

BELOIT, Wis. (January 27, 2022) — PlayMonster launches into 2022 with fresh capital from global private markets firms Adams Street Partners and H.I.G Capital, and promotes tenured industry leader Tim Kilpin and former PlayMonster President to the role of CEO. This significant capital investment and leadership change symbolizes PlayMonster’s latest chapter as a top international toy and game company, and sets the foundation for continued growth and innovation in 2022 and beyond.

Bill Sacher,  Partner, Adams Street, said: “PlayMonster has gained the trust of countless families with their iconic toys and games, and nearly 40 years of rich company history. We believe in the PlayMonster vision, leadership, and values, and we’re eager to support the company’s growth.”

“It’s an exciting time of strategic development and expansion, charting further success for PlayMonster,” said John Yeager, Managing Director of H.I.G Capital.  “Not only is the business strong, but the inherent value in what PlayMonster brings to kids and families in all of its products is something incredibly positive that we are proud to be part of.

Tim Kilpin, CEO at PlayMonster, said: “Our relationship with Adams Street and H.I.G Capital greatly accelerates our goal to become one of the industry’s top global toy companies, and echoes our steadfast dedication to delivering great play experiences for consumers. We’re eager to work with two firms that share our vision and values and have what it takes to create magic in 2022.”

As CEO, Kilpin will focus on expanding and accelerating PlayMonster’s strong retail relationships, product innovation, brand development, licensing and international expansion. PlayMonster is entering an exciting year, as the company prepares to bring Hasbro’s beloved Playskool brands to a new generation of parents. This comes on the heels of several major brand launches in 2021 ‒  including Koosh, Spirograph Animator and THINGS…Schitt’s Creek Edition and the acquisition of award-winning crafting company, Ann Williams Group.

Before joining PlayMonster, Kilpin served as President and CEO of Activision Blizzard’s Consumer Products business, and President and Chief Commercial Officer for Mattel, Inc. In addition to various senior roles at both Mattel and Disney, Kilpin has served on the Boards of Build-A-Bear Workshop, the Make-A-Wish International Foundation, and the Children Affected by AIDS Foundation; he is also a Board and Executive Committee member of the Toy Association.

Former PlayMonster CEO Bob Wann, whose dedicated leadership over the last 13 years was instrumental in shaping the global company that PlayMonster is today, is retiring from the company.

“Bob’s passion for the power of play and delivering innovation to consumers has been transformational for the company, and his overall dedication to the entire toy industry truly inspiring,” says Kilpin. “We offer him our sincerest thanks and best wishes as he moves into a new chapter.”

Adams Street is a global private markets investment manager that manages more than $49 billion in assets.  H.I.G Capital is a leading alternative assets investment firm with over $45 billion of equity capital in management.  Together, they bring significant scale and services to the PlayMonster brand. Both companies have acquired or invested in hundreds of mid-sized private companies..

For more information about PlayMonster, visit www.playmonster.com.

About PlayMonster

PlayMonster, a leading international toy and game company, believes in the power of play to make a positive difference in people’s lives and strives to keep play alive for all ages by delivering great play value through designing, manufacturing, and marketing innovative and fun toys, games and activities. PlayMonster’s diversified portfolio includes popular brands and products such as “TOTY Game of the Year” Yeti in My Spaghetti®, plus THINGS…®, 5 Second Rule®, Relative Insanity®, Farkle, Five Crowns®, Spirograph®, Colorforms, My Fairy Garden®, Fashion Plates®, Latchkits®, Snap Ships®, Koosh®, and the recently acquired Ann Williams Group including Loopdedoo®, Craft-Tastic®, Craft Crush™ and Sticker & Chill™.

About Adams Street Partners

Adams Street Partners is a global private markets investment manager with investments in more than 30 countries across five continents. The firm is 100% employee-owned and has more than $49 billion in assets under management. Adams Street strives to generate actionable investment insights across market cycles by drawing on nearly 50 years of private markets experience, proprietary intelligence, and trusted relationships. Adams Street has offices in Austin, Beijing, Boston, Chicago, London, Menlo Park, Munich, New York, Seoul, Singapore, and Tokyo. Visit www.adamsstreetpartners.com

About H.I.G. Capital

H.I.G. is a leading alternative assets investment firm with over $45 billion of equity capital under management. Based in Miami, and with offices in New York, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Atlanta in the U.S., as well as international affiliate offices in London, Hamburg, Madrid, Milan, Paris, Bogotá, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, H.I.G. specializes in providing both debt and equity capital to small and mid-sized companies, utilizing a flexible and operationally focused/value-added approach.

 

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For More Information, Please Contact:

Lisa Wuennemann
PlayMonster LLC
(800) 524-4263 x275
lisa.wuennemann@playmonster.com

Sierra Percy-Beauregard
ChizComm (on behalf of PlayMonster)
416.659.5807
Spercy-beauregard@chizcomm.com

Posted on

PLAYMONSTER LAUNCHES SIX FIERCE NEW SNAP SHIPS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

New Snap Ships

Award-Winning Brand Adds Futuristic New Ships and Mechs with

Mysterious UJU Tech to the Snap Ships Universe

 

BELOIT, Wis. (November 19, 2021) — Snap Ships, the award-winning modular building system and leader in build-to-battle action-play, is releasing six new products this holiday season, including the anticipated Claymore CR-76 Combat Transport. As the season’s hero product, this transport ship packs a punch with a bay area that holds and releases two miniature mechs for ground battle. The additional new releases are modular and multi-build for fans to grow their fleet.

New releases are available for purchase on Amazon.com and include:

  1. Claymore CR-76 Combat Transport
  2. Hammerjaw K.L.A.W. Gunship
  3. Javelin M-02 Attack Speeder
  4. Maul FT-12 Assault Mech
  5. Spitter K.L.A.W Missile Cruiser
  6. Tunnelweb K.L.A.W. Spider Mech

“Along with Snap Ships fans, we’ve been on the edge of our seats waiting for these new builds to arrive,” said Scott Pease and Jeff Swenty, co-inventors of Snap Ships. “The new kits offer a level of detail and customization far beyond wave 1, with ball joint connectors, new cockpits and details, and large structural pieces. When combined with wave 1 and 2, the building possibilities expand exponentially. We can’t wait to see the custom ships and mechs our fans create with them!”

Designed for kids and collectors of all ages, Snap Ships invites fans to build, battle, and display an exciting array of cool spacecraft, merging two of the biggest play patterns for boys—action-play and construction. Each Snap Ships comes with a mysterious UJU tech piece that holds special value hidden inside the box.

 

Earlier this year, PlayMonster, in collaboration with Design Partner Lynnvander Studios, announced the development of Snap Ships Tactics, a constructible, expandable, multiplayer battle game where players create custom Snap Ships and bring them to life on a tabletop battlefield. Snap Ships Tactics will be the first tabletop gaming experience to launch from the brand and a Kickstarter campaign is planned for 2022, where fans will be invited to influence the final game design and receive teasers and Snap Ships exclusives along the way.

 

Fans can join the Snap Ships email list here to learn about the Kickstarter campaign and get key updates about product arrivals and more.

 

For more information, visit PlayMonster.com.

 

About PlayMonster

PlayMonster, a leading international toy and game company, believes in the power of play to make a positive difference in people’s lives and strives to keep play alive for all ages by delivering great play value through designing, manufacturing, and marketing innovative and fun toys, games and activities. PlayMonster’s diversified portfolio includes popular brands and products such as “TOTY Game of the Year” Yeti in My Spaghetti®, plus THINGS…®, 5 Second Rule®, Relative Insanity®, Farkle, Five Crowns®, Spirograph®, Colorforms®, My Fairy Garden®, Face Paintoos™, Fashion Plates®, Latchkits® Snap Ships®, Koosh®, and the recently acquired Ann Williams Group.

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For More Information, Please Contact:                                        

Lisa Wuennemann

PlayMonster LLC

lisa.wuennemann@playmonster.com

 

Sierra Percy-Beauregard

ChizComm (on behalf of PlayMonster)

Spercy-beauregard@chizcomm.com

416.659.5807

 

 

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PLAYMONSTER’S ANN WILLIAMS BRANDS EARN INDUSTRY-WIDE ACCOLADES AND RECOGNITION

Creator of Innovative Craft and Activity Kits Claims 15 awards and a TOTY nomination 

BELOIT, Wis. (November 11, 2021) PlayMonster’s acquisition of the Michigan-born Ann Williams Group is less than a year old, and already the newly minted craft and activity portfolio is earning more industry accolades and recognition. In 2021, Ann Williams brands have secured 15 awards to date, and a 2022 TOTY nomination in the specialty category.

Awards highlights include:

2021 Autism Live Award Winners

Craft-tastic Surprise Balls; Craft-tastic Artist Box; Craft-tastic Scratch and Sticker Journal;  Craft-tastic Craft Crush Paper Bowls

 

2021 Creative Child Magazine Kids Product of the Year Winner

Loopdedoo Deluxe

 

2021 Happy Kid Award Winner

Create Your Own Magical Unicorn Friend

 

2021 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award Winners

Craft Crush Bracelet Box Kit; Craft-tastic All About Me Empower Flower; Craft-tastic Glow in the Dark Bracelets

 

2021 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award Winners

Craft-tastic Puffy Stick-on Earrings; Craft-tastic String Art – Butterfly; Craft-tastic Make a Mouse Friend; Craft-tastic Sticker it Up! Good Vibes

 

2021 Toy Insider Winners

Craft-tastic Empower Flower; Let’s Learn to Sew

 

The Loopdedoo Deluxe was recently honored in the Toy Foundation’s Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards, with a nomination in the specialty Category. Loopdedoo Deluxe combines 2 patented methods of making jewelry, and was created by Ann Williams Group Founder Sheila Wright to make it easier for kids to make really unique and custom expressions of themselves.

 

Category finalists were selected by industry influencers, academia, media and more to recognize the hottest toys of the holiday season. On Monday, November 8, 2021, the finalists were revealed, and voting began. Consumers and members of the toy world can now cast their vote here for Ann Williams Loopdedoo Deluxe until January 4, 2022.

 

“Every product under the Ann Williams brand offers a unique way for fans of all ages to explore new creative possibilities, learn new skills and express themselves in new and magical ways. True to its award-winning history, we’re pleased to see Ann William’s beautiful products continue to grow and maintain their reputation as best-in-class products in the crafts and activity category,” says Wendy Hartling, Activities Brand Manager at PlayMonster. “We’re excited to grow the magic and possibilities of this brand in the years to come under the PlayMonster banner.”

With wide distribution across key mass retailers, including Target, Nordstrom, Michaels, plus specialty and independent retail channels, Ann Williams has sold millions of kits to generations of inspired makers worldwide.

For more information on either PlayMonster or Ann Williams brands, please visit playmonster.com.

About PlayMonster

PlayMonster, a leading international toy and game company, believes in the power of play to make a positive difference in people’s lives and strives to keep play alive for all ages by delivering great play value through designing, manufacturing, and marketing innovative and fun toys, games and activities. PlayMonster’s diversified portfolio includes popular brands and products such as “TOTY Game of the Year” Yeti in My Spaghetti®, plus THINGS…®, 5 Second Rule®, Relative Insanity®, Farkle, Five Crowns®, Spirograph®, Colorforms, My Fairy Garden®, Face Paintoos™, Fashion Plates®, Latchkits® Snap Ships®, Koosh®, and the recently acquired Ann Williams Group.

 

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For More Information, Please Contact: 

 

Lisa Wuennemann

PlayMonster LLC

(800) 524-4263

lisa.wuennemann@playmonster.com

 

Sierra Percy-Beauregard

ChizComm (on behalf of PlayMonster)

Spercy-beauregard@chizcomm.com

416.659.5807

 

To learn more about PlayMonster, visit playmonster.com.

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PLAYMONSTER’S SPIROGRAPH ANIMATOR SPINS INTO THE HOLIDAYS WITH PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS AND NOTABLE TOY LISTS

Animator

Reimagined Craft Activity Receives Glowing Industry Recognition in First Year of Sales 

 

BELOIT, Wis. (November 3, 2021)  — Spirograph Animator, a new spin on the classic Spirograph set, celebrates BIG wins after earning multiple prestigious toy industry accolades.  In only a few months since launching this innovative new activity, leaders across the industry have applauded this reinvention of a classic  toy, and named the product a hot holiday item in the toys and craft category.

Spirograph Animator recognition and awards include:

  1. AMERICAN SPECIALTY TOY RETAILING ASSOCIATION (ASTRA) winner for 2021 Best Toys for Kids Craft category
  2. PARENTS MAGAZINE winner for Parents Best Toys 2021
  3. NATIONAL PARENTING PRODUCT AWARDS (NAPPA) winner for Best in the Industry

Continuing the list of notable achievements, Spirograph Animator was featured on Amazon’s Toys We Love list, Toy Insider 2021 Holiday Gift Guide and TTPM’s Most Wanted Holiday Toys list. In recognition of the work on the Spirograph animator, the inventors were also named as a finalist for Toy Innovator of the Year in People of Play’s TAGIE AWARDS.

Spirograph Animator stimulates children’s creativity, by giving them the power to create endless designs and then bring them to life using the magic of motion and light. This deluxe studio set features built-in storage and includes 6 gears and 5 markers. Watch the Spirograph Animator in action here.

“Spirograph continues to hold its legacy as a classic toy, while capturing a new generation of kids with the latest technologies,” says Lisa Wuennemann, Associate Vice President Marketing at PlayMonster. “The innovative capabilities of the Spirograph Animator has caught the attention of toy retailers across the US, and we’re pleased to have championed the launch of this reimagined family classic.”

This innovative toy that makes spiral art come to life, makes for a great gift for children ages 8 and up. Spirograph Animator is available for purchase this holiday at Amazon, Target, Michaels and Meijer. For more information,  please visit www.playmonster.com.

About PlayMonster

PlayMonster, a leading international toy and game company, believes in the power of play to make a positive difference in people’s lives and strives to keep play alive for all ages by delivering great play value through designing, manufacturing, and marketing innovative and fun toys, games and activities. PlayMonster’s diversified portfolio includes popular brands and products such as “TOTY Game of the Year” Yeti in My Spaghetti®, plus THINGS…®, 5 Second Rule®, Relative Insanity®, Farkle, Five Crowns®, Spirograph®, Colorforms, My Fairy Garden®, Face Paintoos™, Fashion Plates®, Latchkits® Snap Ships®, Koosh®, and the recently acquired Ann Williams Group.

# # #

 

For More Information, Please Contact:                                              

Lisa Wuennemann                                                          Sierra Percy-Beauregard
Associate VP of Marketing – PlayMonster LLC       Director, Marketing and Communications – ChizComm
(800) 524-4263 x1275                                                     (416) 659-5807
lisaw@playmonster.com                                              Spercy-beauregard@chizcomm.com

 

 

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PLAYMONSTER’S AWARD-WINNING, FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND DRONE HOME GAME SOARS INTO INTERNATIONAL MARKETS

7020 Drone Home Toty21

Families in Over 20 Countries Can Now Compete with This Top-Selling Game

BELOIT, Wis. (October 6, 2021)Drone Home, the first ever game to feature a real drone, has seen unprecedented growth since launching in 2020. In under a year, this celebrated game has flown off North American and UK shelves and quickly caught the eye of international retailers. Now reaching families in over 20 countries — including Australia, Korea, Singapore, New Zealand, South Africa and Europe — more families can get a thrill racing to launch their aliens to outer space.

“This is one of the fastest expansions we’ve seen among all PlayMonster games,” says Richard Gill, Vice President International at PlayMonster. “It’s a joy to see this innovative technology, a first in kids’ games, resonating with families around the world!”

Since launching, the PlayMonster game has been featured in TIME Magazine, New York Magazine’s The Strategist, and on LIVE with Kelly and Ryan. Drone Home was a 2021 Toy of the Year award finalist for Game of the Year in the US, National Parenting Product Award (NAPPA) Winner, featured on Amazon’s Toys We Love Top 25 List, named a top holiday toy by TTPM and The Toy Insider, and was recently nominated for Game of the Year in Finland with the Finnish Toy Association.

This suspenseful, action-packed game is intensely fun for 2 to 4 players, ages 8 and up.  For more information about Drone Home, please visit www.playmonster.com.

About PlayMonster

PlayMonster, a leading international toy and game company, believes in the power of play to make a positive difference in people’s lives and strives to keep play alive for all ages by delivering great play value through designing, manufacturing, and marketing innovative and fun toys, games and activities. PlayMonster’s diversified portfolio includes popular brands and products such as “TOTY Game of the Year” Yeti in My Spaghetti®, plus THINGS…®, 5 Second Rule®, Relative Insanity®, Farkle, Five Crowns®, Spirograph®, Colorforms, My Fairy Garden®, Face Paintoos™, Fashion Plates®, Latchkits® Snap Ships®, Koosh®, and the recently acquired Ann Williams Group.

# # #

 

For More Information, Please Contact:                                              

Lisa Wuennemann                                                          Sierra Percy-Beauregard
Associate VP of Marketing – PlayMonster LLC       Director, Marketing and Communications – ChizComm
(800) 524-4263 x1275                                                     (416) 659-5807
lisaw@playmonster.com                                              Spercy-beauregard@chizcomm.com