PlayMonster LLC has acquired the assets of the kids arts and crafts company Kahootz Toys, based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Kahootz Toys is the company behind 17 award-winning brands including Y’Art, Spirograph, Colorforms, Fashion Plates, Latchkits, Play-Doh, and Waterfuls.
Kahootz, founded in 2012, grew with several programs, including the relaunch of the brand Spirograph, under license with Hasbro. More recently, the company has experienced success with brands like Colorforms, in partnership with 9 Story Entertainment, and Fashion Plates. This year, the company was awarded the ASTRA Best Toys for Kids award, and is a TOTY finalist for Creative Toy of the Year with a new line, Y’Art, where kids can “color with yarn.”
Bob Wann, CEO and Chief PlayMonster of PlayMonster said, “This is PlayMonster’s largest acquisition to-date and we’re thrilled to continue our multi-category growth strategy building and adding classic brands while expanding our footprint in the activity and stationery aisles. Kahootz has shown a commitment to providing innovative products to kids of all ages, and this philosophy aligns with our mission to make a positive difference in people’s lives through the power of play. Their team has done an outstanding job, and with our help, will continue to grow the Kahootz brand at retail.”
“We are very excited to be joining PlayMonster and the Audax Private Equity family of companies,” said Joe Yassay, CEO and founding partner of Kahootz Toys. “The addition of our products to PlayMonster’s already impressive portfolio of children’s toys and games is a win-win for everyone involved — our companies, licensors, suppliers, and customers. We look forward to helping PlayMonster champion the power of play by supporting continued growth and market penetration in the mass, specialty, and international marketplaces.”
Bambini Partners, LLC acted as special advisors to Kahootz Toys in connection with this transaction.