Following a collaborative business relationship for the sales and distribution of both companies’ brands, MGA and Zapf have taken the first steps to formalise their partnership.

MGA Entertainment has announced that it intends to merge with Zapf Creation AG. Specifically, MGA’s wholly-owned German subsidiary, which is the current direct major shareholder of Zapf Creation AG, has approached Zapf with an invitation to enter into negotiations of a merger agreement. MGA and Zapf Creation AG have had a collaborative business relationship for the sales and distribution of both companies’ brands for nearly 20 years.

The merger is expected to close in Spring 2024 and no further details are available at this time; however, the leadership of both companies have pledged to work closely to plan the merger and will make appropriate announcements as information becomes available.

MGA Entertainment is one of the largest and fastest growing privately held toy and entertainment companies in the world. Headquartered in Los Angeles with offices globally, the company creates a range of innovative, proprietary and licensed consumer products and entertainment properties. The MGA family includes award-winning brands such as L.O.L. Surprise!, Little Tikes, Rainbow High, Bratz, MGA’s Miniverse, Fluffie Stuffiez, Na! Na! Na! Surprise and Micro Games of America.

Zapf Creation AG is Europe’s leading manufacturer of nurturing dolls, including Baby Annabell and Baby born, and a global brand supplier of children’s toys. The company develops and sells premium play concepts, as well as play and functional dolls with extensive accessories. This also includes an increasing number of products from other toy categories.