Kids Preferred Acquires Bunnies By The Bay

Toy manufacturer Kids Preferred has acquired toy, book and apparel brand Bunnies By The Bay. This marks the manufacturer's first foray into infant and children's apparel. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed but Bunnies By The Bay founders and senior staff will remain at the company. 

Advanstar Global Acquires ENK

Last Friday, the multi-platform events and information services company announced its agreement to add ENK International to its line-up. Advanstar Global, whose programs already include Project, Magic, FN Platform, and Licensing International, will now incorporate ENK's properties such as Fashion Coterie, Accessorie Circuit and Intermezzo into its event program. Advanstar Communications and ENK will be run separately, but ENK attendees will gain access to Advanstar's "Shop the Floor" digital platform that will debut in 2013, giving customers the opportunity to shop an online marketplace.

Disney Buys Lucasfilm

The Walt Disney Company purchased Lucasfilm from founder George Lucas for $4.05 billion. Both were ranked in the Top 15 in License! Global's annual ranking of the Top 125 Global Licensors. The deal allows Disney to operate live-action film production, visual effects, audio post-production, animation and consumer products. The deal is set to bring about a new feature film to be released in 2015. "For the past 35 years, one of my greatest pleasures has been to see Star Wars passed from one generation to the next.

The Playforge Join Saban

Saban Brands continues to expand its portfolio with the acquisition of The Playforge in order to develop its digital potential. The company plans to extend games from the digital developer, such as its most popular game "Zombie Farm," into merchandising and licensing. It also plans on using The Playforge to increase the digital offerings for Saban brands Power Rangers and Paul Frank. "Mobile is becoming the default medium for entertainment, and games are the future of social engagement," says Dan Silberberger, the digital vice president of Saban Brands.

Jakks Pacific Purchases Maui Toys

Jakks Pacific announced last week that it had acquired Maui Toys. The Ohio-based toy manufacturer adds spring and summer activity toys, outdoor sports-related toys and impulse toys, which includes Sky Ball and Wave Hoop products, to Jakks' portfolio. CEO and President of Jakks Pacific Stephen Berman expects to expand Maui Toys through their distribution channels in various international markets. "The Maui Toys acquisition complements our growing portfolio of non-licensed, proprietary brands.

Dreamworks Acquires Classic Media

Dreamworks Animation obtained Classic Media for $155 million last week. The company plans on leveraging the properties across television, consumer products, digital channels and movies. Such characters as Lassie, Casper the Friendly Ghost, George of the Jungle, The Lone Ranger and VeggieTales are all part of the Classic Media portfolio. Its library includes 450 titles and more than 6,100 episodes of both animated and live-action programming.

Delta Galil Moves to Purchase Germany’s Schiesser

Tel-Aviv and U.S.-based Delta Galil Industries Ltd. is set to expand its global presence when it buys Schiesser AG, a leading manufacturer and marketer of children's underwear for the German market. The acquisition is expected to be completed in July for an estimated $90 million. Delta Galil, a global manufacturer of branded and private-label apparel for men, women and children in the Middle East, the U.S., Asia and Europe is not yet present in German-speaking countries. Schiesser commands 25 percent of the German market in children's underwear.

L’Oreal Buys Cadum Baby Care Brand in a Deal Worth More Than $200 Million

L'Oreal has purchased baby products company Cadum to reach more customers in its domestic market, the French beauty giant announced on Thursday. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but according to industry reports, the acquisition cost an estimated $264.5 million. Cadum will be added to L'Oreal France's Consumer Products Division, which includes the L'Oreal Paris, Garnier-Gemey-Maybelline and LaScad business units.

HSN Buys Kids’ Clothing E-tailer Chasing Fireflies

Multi-channel retailer HSN Inc. has acquired e-commerce site Chasing Fireflies though its operating segment Cornerstone Brands. The purchase price was not disclosed but HSN said the Seattle-based company (which offers apparel, gifts and accessories for children and babies) had $39 million in revenue last year. Co-founders Dina Alhadeff, Amy Grealish and Lori Liddle will continue to run business and oversee day-to-day operations while working closely with the Cornerstone team, led by CEO Mark Ethier, to drive growth.