Resource Partners has acquired a 40% stake in COBI, a specialty brick manufacturer from Poland that makes building sets featuring vehicles and pieces of military history.
“I am proud that COBI has gained recognition and has become the favorite toy and passion of millions of adults and children around the world,” says Robert Podleś, Founder and President of COBI. “This is a huge achievement for me, and working with Resource Partners is a key step in the further development of our company. I believe that the experience and resources that Resource Partners brings will provide important support in achieving our common ambitions, allowing for even faster and more dynamic development of COBI, strengthening our position among the leading manufacturers of building bricks in the world.”
Podleś will maintain his position at the head of the company. This new partnership will focus on expanding within Poland and internationally, particularly in direct-to-consumer sales to adult collectors.
The investment in COBI fits perfectly into the strategy of Resource Partners and is another example of our interest in companies that are building a strong position in niche market segments. We fully believe in the further development potential of COBI in the historical niche, but we also see great opportunities brought by the transfer of experience and know-how from this segment to other niches with a large and engaged community of fans and enthusiasts. In addition, we see the growing potential of the 'kidult' market – adults who buy toys for themselves as a hobby, which is becoming a new, important category in the toy market. We are convinced that COBI fits this trend perfectly, and the brand's products are perfect for direct-to-consumer sales, especially in the online segment, which we see as a key development channel.”
“We are impressed by COBI’s achievements to date and the consistent vision pursued by the owner, and we are pleased to be able to support the company in the implementation of its ambitious strategy of further development,” says Wojciech Pociecha, Partner at Resource Partner. “The COBI team already has a strong position in the building brick market, and we believe that thanks to our cooperation, the company will be able to achieve even faster development, and together we will strive further to strengthen COBI’s presence in the global market.”
COBI features licensed partnerships with brands including Boeing, NASA, Lockheed Martin, Top Gun, Maserati, Fiat, and more.
