European toy specialist bags Hamleys for a rumoured £60m Monday, 17th September 2012

Groupe Ludendo has sealed the deal on the acquisition of Hamleys for a sum believed to be in the region of £60 million.

The European toy specialist is looking to double its store portfolio over the next four years – a key reason for the purchase of Hamleys. The deal means that Groupe Ludendo is expanding its reach in the UK, Asia and the Middle East.

Commenting on the acquisition, Groupe Ludendo chairman Jean-Michel Grunberg said: “We are delighted to be acquiring Hamleys today, which is one of the most respected toy retailers in the world. This deal fits with our strategy to grow our business through the acquisition of well-established brands with global dimensions. Hamleys will give us the platform to accelerate our international development starting with the UK and into new markets.

We have the utmost respect for the Hamleys brand and heritage, as well as the unique interactive retail environment of fun, entertainment and theatre that it has created. We have every intention of maintaining this unique brand and what it stands for, and building on its successful international development.”

Groupe Ludendo currently operates in France, Belgium, Switzerland, Spain and Morocco via a portfolio of over 300 stores. Hamleys currently has 22 stores – a number which is set to rise over the coming years.

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Posted in Deals and Takeovers, Toys Tagged Groupe Ludendo, Hamleys, Jean-Michel Grunberg, Toys & Entertainment, Expansion & Franchise, Deals & Rumours, Entertainment, my, retail, media, news