Munchkin Expands in Europe With Acquisition of UK's No. 1 Safety Brand for Babies

NORTH HILLS, Calif., Jan. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Munchkin, Inc., designer and manufacturer of clever infant and toddler products, today announced the purchase of Lindam, the U.K.'s top baby safety brand and leading international developer of nursery products.  The purchase adds Lindam's strong safety portfolio, including market-leading gates, to a Munchkin portfolio that includes industry-leading products across infant categories such as bath, care, travel and feeding as well as pet categories through the company's pet division, Bamboo.

"Munchkin's purchase of Lindam accomplishes two strategic objectives for our future growth," stated Steven B. Dunn, chairman and chief executive officer, Munchkin, Inc.  "First, this transaction instantly provides a substantial footprint in Europe from which we can accelerate the growing international distribution of our existing portfolio.  Second, it allows Munchkin to quickly enter the large U.S. infant and pet safety gate category with an award-winning European line.  This is an excellent strategic addition for Munchkin given the complementary nature of the two companies' product portfolios."

Lindam is a privately held company based in the U.K. with a 20-year heritage in developing products that parents can trust.  Similar to Munchkin, Lindam is an established brand with a loyal customer base rooted in its consistent delivery of innovative products.  Lindam's current baby care portfolio includes safety gates, baby monitors, feeding accessories, jumpers and other nursery products.

"We are delighted to be working with such a strong and growing brand that shares our mission to provide clever solutions for today's families," said Mark Rycroft, managing director of Lindam. "The combination of our extensive and innovative product portfolios will instantly create a huge international presence for both brands."

About Lindam

Established over 20 years ago, Lindam is Europe's leading child home safety brand.  Lindam owns the No. 1 line of safety gates in the U.K. and offers the broadest range of safety solutions globally.  The company's mission is to make clever products that help today's parents feed and care for their children as safely as possible.  Lindam products are designed with infants and parents in mind and manufactured to standards that help ensure they are the safest on the market. The company's commitment to design and product development has been acknowledged with over 50 industry awards received for excellence. Lindam is privately held and based in the U.K.  For more information, visit www.lindam.com.

About Munchkin, Inc.

A privately held company headquartered in North Hills, Calif., Munchkin, Inc. creates baby products that excite, delight and make life easier for today's parents.  Founded in 1991, Munchkin, Inc. has placed great emphasis on innovation, redefining what baby products can be.  As a result, Munchkin has reinvigorated the category with the recent introduction of the Arm & Hammer Diaper Pail and improvements like the 2-in-1 bottle brush design and White Hot Technology® that lets moms know if the bath water or car is too hot. Munchkin owns over 100 patents and has over 40 additional patents pending.  The company has won over 30 industry awards, including the coveted Target® Corporation Partner Award of Excellence. Endorsed and recommended by lactation consultants, medical professionals, toy specialists and parents, Munchkin products can be found at more than 25,000 retail outlets internationally. For more information, visit www.munchkin.com.

SOURCE Munchkin, Inc.