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aNb Media News, July 16, 2015

MidOcean Partners Acquires KidKraft

MidOcean Partners, a private equity firm, announced that it has acquired KidKraft, Inc. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. KidKraft will continue to be led by Steven Lampert, CEO, and Charmaine Lampert, president and chief creative officer.

“MidOcean has been seeking an acquisition in the infant/juvenile sector and we believe KidKraft is a quality business and brand whose rapid global expansion can be accelerated,” said Daniel Penn, managing director of MidOcean. “The company has a tremendous track record of growth across geographies, retailers, and channels with both existing and new products and a world-class supply chain. We see numerous opportunities for increasing KidKraft’s global presence, including through acquisitions, and look forward to working with this talented team.”

Established in 1968, KidKraft’s portfolio includes dollhouses, play kitchens, wooden toy trains, children’s furniture, among other products sold at both mass and specialty retailers. KidKraft also sells a large number of indoor and outdoor furniture pieces.

Mark Cuban Named Keynote Speaker at WIT Empowerment Day

Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WIT) announced that Mark Cuban, billionaire business maverick and iconic serial entrepreneur, will deliver the opening keynote at the 2015 WIT Empowerment Day, which will be held at Dallas Market Center on October 5, 2015. This annual event, held the day before the Toy Industry Association’s Dallas Fall Toy Preview, offers women business owners access to industry resources, mentors, and role models, and for those who pre-qualify, the opportunity to pitch Walmart toy buyers onsite.

Cuban’s bold business advice and uniquely candid message will kick off the event. His ever-growing portfolio of businesses continues to expand and evolve across a variety of industries. He is the owner of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks, Landmark Theaters, Magnolia Pictures, AXS TV (which he founded as HDNet), an investor on the TV series Shark Tank, and author of How to Win at the Sport of Business, among many other roles.

WIT Empowerment Day is open to all WIT members who are registered guests of Dallas Fall Toy Preview. Click here to register for WIT Empowerment Day and learn more about pre-qualifying for Walmart pitches. To register for Dallas Fall Toy Preview, click here.

Celebrating 70 Years of Thomas & FriendsThomas & Friends

Watch children around the globe celebrate 70 years of Thomas & Friends with this video released by Mattel earlier this week on YouTube. It features a special interview with Christopher Awdry, son of Thomas the Tank Engine creator, Reverand W. Awdry.

FAO Schwarz Closed its NYC Doors

FAO Schwarz closed its Fifth Avenue location in New York City yesterday. FAO Schwarz opened in New York City in 1862 and has been in various locations throughout the city over the years. FAO moved to the current Fifth Avenue location in 1986. Toys “R” Us acquired FAO in 2009.

What’s New in Science Toys on TTPM

It’s been a big week in science as NASA’s New Horizons reached Pluto. Here’s some of the images. Now is a great time to get the kids in your life interested in any aspect of science. TTPM is showcasing the newest Science Toys. For the latest in toy reviews as well as what’s trending, visit TTPM.com.