Post by Danno on Dec 1, 2011 16:53:33 GMT -8
INDUSTRY NEWS - PRESS RELEASE - YESTERDAY
SOUTH BEND, Indiana – 11/30/2011 –Round 2, LLC, announced today that they have acquired
all rights to industry leading model kit brands AMT, MPC and Polar Lights from TOMY
International, Inc. (formerly RC2 Corporation).
Round 2 acquired the brands from TOMY International after manufacturing branded model kits under a licensing agreement since 2008. “We’ve had a great relationship with TOMY
International for a long time and it has been a pleasure working with them as a licensee and
now as a buyer,” said Thomas Lowe, President of Round 2 LLC.
“We feel extremely fortunate to be acquiring these brands,” continued Lowe. “These are some
of the industry’s most iconic brands and our acquisition represents a significant strategic fit with
our initiatives and where we believe the industry is headed, in the near and long term. This deal
is a win for Round 2, TOMY and most importantly, the modelers.”
“We are pleased to have been working with Round 2 as a licensee the last 3 years, and now as
the buyer,” said Pete Henseler, president of TOMY International. “We wish them continued
success in the model kit business and expect their expertise and passion for the hobby model
kit business to drive these brands in the years ahead.”
The history of the model kit brands goes back as far as 1948 when AMT, which stands for
Aluminum Model Toys, was founded as a promotional toy company. Model Products
Corporation, MPC, was started in 1963 and focused on bringing even more automotive subject
matter to market in kit form. Founded in 1996, Polar Lights has focused on figural, horror and
pop culture genres.
The acquisition gives Round 2 tooling and materials that date back into the 1950s. The tooling
and artwork also represent an opportunity to bring back classic model kits in original-styled
packaging, increasing the desirability and nostalgia.
“I grew up building models. Not in my wildest dreams would I have ever imagined I’d someday
own the brands I was building as a kid,” said Lowe.
About Round 2
Round 2, LLC is an innovative collectibles company located in South Bend, IN. The creative
team at Round 2 is dedicated to producing detailed, high quality collectible and playable items
appealing to the young and young at heart. Round 2 brands include Polar Lights®, AMT® and
MPC® model kits, Auto World® slot cars, Forever Fun™ seasonal products and the licensed
brands American Muscle®, Ertl Collectibles® and Vintage Fuel™ die cast.
SOUTH BEND, Indiana – 11/30/2011 –Round 2, LLC, announced today that they have acquired
all rights to industry leading model kit brands AMT, MPC and Polar Lights from TOMY
International, Inc. (formerly RC2 Corporation).
Round 2 acquired the brands from TOMY International after manufacturing branded model kits under a licensing agreement since 2008. “We’ve had a great relationship with TOMY
International for a long time and it has been a pleasure working with them as a licensee and
now as a buyer,” said Thomas Lowe, President of Round 2 LLC.
“We feel extremely fortunate to be acquiring these brands,” continued Lowe. “These are some
of the industry’s most iconic brands and our acquisition represents a significant strategic fit with
our initiatives and where we believe the industry is headed, in the near and long term. This deal
is a win for Round 2, TOMY and most importantly, the modelers.”
“We are pleased to have been working with Round 2 as a licensee the last 3 years, and now as
the buyer,” said Pete Henseler, president of TOMY International. “We wish them continued
success in the model kit business and expect their expertise and passion for the hobby model
kit business to drive these brands in the years ahead.”
The history of the model kit brands goes back as far as 1948 when AMT, which stands for
Aluminum Model Toys, was founded as a promotional toy company. Model Products
Corporation, MPC, was started in 1963 and focused on bringing even more automotive subject
matter to market in kit form. Founded in 1996, Polar Lights has focused on figural, horror and
pop culture genres.
The acquisition gives Round 2 tooling and materials that date back into the 1950s. The tooling
and artwork also represent an opportunity to bring back classic model kits in original-styled
packaging, increasing the desirability and nostalgia.
“I grew up building models. Not in my wildest dreams would I have ever imagined I’d someday
own the brands I was building as a kid,” said Lowe.
About Round 2
Round 2, LLC is an innovative collectibles company located in South Bend, IN. The creative
team at Round 2 is dedicated to producing detailed, high quality collectible and playable items
appealing to the young and young at heart. Round 2 brands include Polar Lights®, AMT® and
MPC® model kits, Auto World® slot cars, Forever Fun™ seasonal products and the licensed
brands American Muscle®, Ertl Collectibles® and Vintage Fuel™ die cast.
