CRA-Z-ART ACQUIRES JOKER AG CREATING WORLD'S LARGEST MANUFACTURER OF MULTI-COMPOUNDS FOR KIDS

RANDOLPH, NJ, Feb. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Cra-Z-Art, a leading U.S. manufacturer and innovator in the toy, activity, art, and school supply industries, proudly announces the acquisition of Joker AG, creating the world's largest global manufacturer of multi-compounds.  Cra-Z-Art already markets and manufactures Cra-Z-Slimy as well as other popular compounds such as Softee Dough, Cra-Z-Sand and Modelite.  The company is a division of LaRose Industries, LLC.

Cra-Z-Art, which celebrated its 100^th  anniversary in 2023, continues its trajectory of rapid growth with its third acquisition in the last six months. The company purchased Top Secret Toys, makers of Giga Pets, Dissect-it Brand and Spin Pops as well as a major interest in Lexibook, one of the largest global manufacturers of children's electronic and learning toys.

Founded in 1980 in Switzerland, Joker AG has established itself as a trusted name in the toy industry with its popular Slimy brand. Known for creating and developing toy compounds that give leading toy experiences, Joker AG is dedicated to consistently creating new trends and play ideas.  The company's innovative products are distributed in over 70 countries around the world.

"We are very excited to add Joker AG and its quality products to our growing portfolio of brands," said Lawrence Rosen, Chairman of Cra-Z-Art. "Joker AG is a perfect complement to our current, popular compound segment and completely aligns with our goal of being the premier and largest toy compound company globally.  Joker AG's commitment to innovation and quality is a perfect fit with Cra-Z-Art's values, and together we will continue to tirelessly introduce creative and dynamic toy products that consumers desire and enjoy."

Meinrad Flury, CEO of Joker AG, adds, "I am very pleased with the acquisition by Rosen's group of companies and the merge and integration of Joker AG into the powerful organization of La Rose Industries and Cra-Z-Art".  It is the perfect marriage of our Slimy brands and the symbiosis of unique competencies in innovation and manufacturing. After 45 years of leading Joker AG, I am very happy to put the legacy of Joker and the whole team in the hands of Larry Rosen's visionary leadership, together with the new CEO, Michael Hyde, a very experienced, knowledgeable and respected leader."

The acquisition of Joker AG will enable Cra-Z-Art to expand its product offerings and reach a broader, more varied audience on a global scale.  The company aims to introduce even more exciting and diverse products to consumers worldwide. This partnership will complement Cra-Z-Art's existing best-selling brands, such as RoseArt, Shimmer 'n Sparkle, Be Inspired and My Look craft and activity sets, Cra-Z-Slimy, Softee Dough and Kodak puzzles, along with iconic properties like Snoopy Sno Cone Machine, Magna Doodle, and their latest hit, Disney Crystal Surprise.  Cra-Z-Art also has over 1 million square feet of manufacturing space domestically, the largest U.S. footprint in the industry.  The company currently maintains factories in Lewisburg, Tennessee and Jacksonville, Florida.

The two companies will mutually benefit from their respective, extensive distribution network, manufacturing expertise, and marketing resources. Together, the combined strengths of both companies will help achieve their goal to fuel innovation, accelerate product development, and enhance their presence in key markets internationally, offering endless creative possibilities for our key consumers.  

About CRA-Z-ART

Based in Randolph, NJ, CRA-Z-ART, offers a wide range of original, creative, exciting, and trendy products across the toy, activity, art, and school supply categories. With a management team that brings over 150 years of combined experience in the creation, manufacturing, and marketing of stationery, toy, and activity products, CRA-Z-ART is deeply attuned to the needs of retailers and the desires of consumers. At CRA-Z-ART, "Always Creative!" is more than a slogan—it's the driving force behind everything we do, inspiring new possibilities every day!

To learn more, please visit www.cra-z-art.com.

SOURCE Cra-Z-Art