PlayPower and BCI Burke Announce Mutual Termination of Merger Agreement

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. and FOND DU LAC, Wis., Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- PlayPower and BCI Burke today announced the termination of their merger agreement previously announced on February 13, 2026. The decision to terminate the agreement follows the U.S. Federal Trade Commission's ("FTC") and certain States' lawsuit filed October 19, 2026, seeking a permanent injunction to block the acquisition.

"The trust of the families and communities we serve has always been at the heart of our business, as we provide children meaningful spaces and experiences to play and grow together," said PlayPower CEO Bryan Yeazel. "While we continue to believe that this combination would have protected American jobs and delivered significant benefits to families, workers and their communities, the time and expense required for long, protracted litigation are better allocated to our respective businesses as we continue to deliver joy to the children of America."

Mr. Yeazel continued, "We are confident we would have prevailed in court on the merits, as the allegations of the FTC and States reflect a fundamental misunderstanding of the market and the highly fragmented industry in which we operate. Together, PlayPower and BCI Burke would have represented an American manufacturer and supplier with multiple differentiated brands, together holding less than 30% of the market share in a landscape increasingly impacted by global competition."

"We are disappointed that the FTC chose to challenge this merger and remain proud of the business we have built at Burke and the team that has made it successful," said Mike Phelan, President & CEO of BCI Burke. "I want to thank our employees, customers and partners for their continued support and commitment throughout this process. Our focus remains where it has always been: delivering innovative products, quality, and service that our customers and the communities we serve have come to expect."

PlayPower and Burke will continue to operate independently and each will strive to grow and provide the best playgrounds for America's children and communities.

About PlayPower
Headquartered in Huntersville, North Carolina, PlayPower designs and manufactures a wide range of products for outdoor recreation and living, including playground systems and recreational equipment, serving key end markets such as schools, parks and recreation, commercial and industrial facilities, residential communities, marine environments, and hospitality venues. Through its diversified portfolio of leading brands, PlayPower offers innovative, high-quality products that enrich recreational experiences for people of all ages. PlayPower employs approximately 1500 people in the United States, with manufacturing and distribution facilities across North America and Europe.  For more information, please visit www.playpower.com.

About BCI Burke
BCI Burke is a manufacturer of commercial playground equipment, outdoor fitness and recreation products, and site amenities. With a legacy of innovation, craftsmanship and customer service, Burke designs play environments for parks, schools, childcare facilities, apartment communities, and other segments across North America and internationally. The Company's products — ranging from playground structures and freestanding play events to outdoor fitness stations and site furnishings — are built to the highest standards of quality, safety, and durability. Burke's mission is to bring the best in play, playgrounds, fitness, and recreation to all communities. For more information, visit www.bciburke.com.

Contact Information:

PlayPower
[email protected]

BCI Burke
Brian Johnson
[email protected]

SOURCE PlayPower