Following years of partnership, the maker of L.O.L. Surprise! and Rainbow High dolls is looking to merge with the maker of Baby Born and Baby Annabell dolls.
This week, MGA Entertainment initiated a merger offer with Zapf Creation AG through its wholly-owned German subsidiary. According to MGA, its subsidiary is currently Zapf’s largest direct shareholder. For nearly 20 years, MGA has maintained a collaborative relationship with Zapf that has strengthened the sales and distribution of both companies’ brands.
Zapf Creations was formed in 1932 when Rosa and Max Zapf opened a toy factory in Rödental, Upper Franconia, Germany. Their company eventually grew to become Europe’s largest producer of “nurturing” baby dolls and accessories, with brands including Baby Born sold worldwide.
MGA said in a statement that negotiations have just begun and that the merger “is expected to close in spring 2024.”