Leading European puzzles and games company Jumbodiset Group, which has offices in The Netherlands and Spain, will merge with British toy company, James Galt & Co, headquartered in Manchester.

The merger between Jumbo and Galt will create a significant industry powerhouse, strengthening the international footprint of both companies and their market-leading product innovations.

The collaboration marries two of the toy industry’s well recognised and respected names, and will deliver significant growth opportunities across a robust, well recognised and distinct portfolio of puzzles, creative play lines and award-winning games for all ages.

In the new structure, John McDonnell will head up the UK arm of the business, which will continue with the well-known British brand names James Galt and Jumbo. Both Jumbo Games (previously known as Falcon Games) and James Galt have a strong British heritage. Galt will combine its broad games, creative play and toys portfolio with the UK’s leading puzzle brands such as Wasgij, Falcon de luxe and Puzzle Mates.

Juan Ferrer, executive chairman, Jumbodiset Group, commented: “Galt’s reputation for the finest quality toys and obvious passion for our industry aligns with our own group company values, making for a perfect symbiotic match. Together we can add significantly value across all our activities and continue to strengthen our mutual excellence and longstanding customer relationships.”

John McDonnell, managing director at Galt Toys, added:  “Jumbodiset has built considerable brand recognition and loyalty internationally over many decades. Our collaboration will enable us to leverage our distinct brand names, whilst delivering enhanced and extensive product offerings and efficiencies which will hugely benefit our existing and new audiences on an international scale.”

The collaboration launches an exciting and bold new chapter for both businesses. Galt has built a trusted reputation since 1836, with a much-loved portfolio of toys meeting the needs of all stages of child development from 0-10 years, whilst Jumbodiset’s catalogue of strong international and award-winning brands including the premium, heritage brand Falcon de Luxe, are enjoyed in more than 50 countries worldwide. Together, the combined scale of their operations across all core functions will offer an extensive high-profile product portfolio and impressive ‘end to end’ service on a worldwide scale.