Colouring and school supplies company Maped says the acquisition of Juratoys will aid its development in the toy market.

The merger between Maped and Juratoys reinforces the vision shared by both companies around awakening and developing children’s talent.

The association of these two French businesses operating in separate distribution channels also creates long-term synergies. Within this framework, activities related to academic learning will continue to be managed in Argonay, while the Juratoys site in Orgelet will remain the centre for games and toys.

The combination of Maped Group’s industrial DNA and international distribution network along with Juratoys’ experience will enable the new group to accelerate the development of a global offer.

This alliance is an assurance of the sustainability of the group’s brands and organisation.

“The acquisition of Juratoys and the heritage brands Janod, Kaloo and Lilliputiens gives the Maped Group’s diversification strategy a boost commensurate with this new entity’s ambitions,” said Romain Lacroix, CEO of Maped. “We are delighted to participate in creating a significantly sized French group which aims to distribute a range of useful, durable and fun school accessories and games/toys throughout the world that accompany children through every learning phase.”

Ludovic Martin, CEO of the Juratoys Group, commented: “This alliance makes sense, as both entities offer activities that complement the needs of children, parents and our professional partners. We will rely on the Maped Group’s organisation to accelerate our international development thanks to a distribution network that has now been expanded. We will also benefit from the industrial DNA of the French group to accelerate local and regional purchasing to benefit our markets and CSR approach.”

He added: “A new page has been turned for Juratoys Group employees and our brands. Together, we will pool our expertise and creativity to help children explore the world of today and tomorrow.”