Global operator Just Play has acquired the licensed arts and crafts company Tara Toy and is aiming to take the company’s product from the US – where it is the number one manufacturer in its field – to worldwide markets later in 2024.
Tara Toy has been in business for some 50 years and built up a portfolio of licences taking in Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, Nickelodeon, LOL, Barbie, and Hot Wheels among others.
Just Play co-CEO Geoffrey Greenberg said: “It’s an honour for us to carry on the incredible legacy that Bruce and the Tara Toy team have built over the last nearly 50 years. Just Play and Tara Toy are synergistic in many important ways – licensing and retail partners look to us to deliver quality value and speed to market. We are looking forward to welcoming the team from Tara Toy into the Just Play family, seamlessly integrating operational processes and our brand portfolios.”
“It’s an honour for us to carry on the incredible legacy that Bruce and the Tara Toy team have built over the last nearly 50 years”
Just Play co-CEO Geoffrey Greenberg
Co-CEO Charlie Emby added: “One of the main benefits of the acquisition is that it allows Just Play to expand into new product categories. This addition to Just Play’s portfolio will provide supplemental global growth opportunities, including through our new subsidiaries across Europe, Latin America, and Asia.”
Tara Toy co-CEO and founder Bruce Pearl is remaining at the company and said Just Play’s core values aligning with his company’s was a contributing factor in selling to the company. “We have admired Just Play for many years and are excited about Tara Toy’s bright future as we join the Just Play family and grow together. We are thrilled that Just Play will maintain US-based staff to support US employment. I would like to give Brian Specht, Executive VP of design and development at Tara Toy, a special nod, he has been a trusted partner and I look forward to his continued contributions.”
