ThinkFun Joins Ravensburger Family of Brands
Move Further Strengthens Ravensburger's Position in the Games Category of the North American Market
Sep 18, 2017, 08:00 ET
SEATTLE, Sept. 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Ravensburger AG, a leading international toy company loved the world over for its fun and engaging quality toys and games, today announced its acquisition of ThinkFun®, the leading developer of logic and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) games in the U.S. market. The move broadens the company's portfolio of brands, while strengthening its position in the games category of the U.S. toy and game market. ThinkFun joins Wonder Forge™, acquired in 2012, and BRIO®, acquired in 2015, as the newest company under the recently established Ravensburger North America division.
"We have known and admired ThinkFun for a long time," says Clemens Maier, CEO of Ravensburger AG. "The name says it all—ThinkFun games are as rich in content as they are fun to play. Its unique brand and games fit perfectly with our mission of promoting playful development as we continue to broaden our expertise in the games category and grow our business in North America."
Bill Ritchie and Andrea Barthello founded ThinkFun 33 years ago, and from the start specialized in creating games designed to engage players and stimulate minds. The company has won hundreds of awards for its high quality games, the most famous of which is Rush Hour®, a classic logic game that has sold more than 10 million units since it launched over 20 years ago, and today is still a top-seller. ThinkFun games, including more recent standouts such as Zingo®, Gravity Maze® and Laser Maze®, are designed to spark curiousity, build confidence and nurture lifelong learners.
"We're thrilled to be joining the Ravensburger Group. ThinkFun has always put a huge emphasis on the well-being of its employees and the experience of its customers, and we feel that Ravensburger is a perfect match for us in terms of its company culture and mission," said Andrea Barthello, co-founder and COO of ThinkFun. "Bill and I, and our entire team, are excited to work with Ravensburger to continue to bring positive play experiences into homes around the world!"
"Ravensburger is the ideal partner to help us bring our games to even more families across North America and around the world," said Bill Ritchie, co-founder and CEO of ThinkFun. "This will enable us to build upon our distinctive style and explore new and innovative product concepts, across multiple categories and for players of all ages."
As a subsidiary of Ravensburger North America, ThinkFun will continue to operate as an independent brand from its Alexandria, Virginia headquarters. Ritchie, whose leadership and insight has been instrumental in building ThinkFun's quality product line, will stay on as the company's chief creative officer. ThinkFun will also retain company directors and staff.
Ravensburger North America division offers products for all ages and spans key toy industry categories including puzzles, games, playsets, wooden toys, arts & crafts, and science kits. To learn more, visit ravensburger.com.
Bambini Partners, LLC acted as Special Advisors to ThinkFun Inc., in connection with this transaction.
About Ravensburger
Founded in Ravensburg, Germany in 1883, Ravensburger is a leading producer of toys loved the world over for its commitment to detail and quality. In the U.S., the company is known for its extensive line of puzzles for children and adults, award winning board games, such as bestseller Labyrinth, and its engaging science and arts and crafts kits. To learn more visit ravensburger.com.
About ThinkFun Inc.
For over 30 years, ThinkFun Inc. has been dedicated to creating games that spark curiosity, cultivate confidence, and nurture life-long learners. Its games encourage interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), while generating excitement for a world of learning through play. Innovation, creativity, value, and fun are the four elements that comprise the development of every game. Ignite the mind, and change the world for each player.
About Wonder Forge
Wonder Forge is proud to offer games and puzzles that promote character-inspired play, featuring many of the industry's most beloved licenses. The company has been honored with more than 220 prestigious awards for product excellence, including 5 nominations for the Toy Industry's T.O.T.Y. Toy of the Year Award in the game category. To learn more visit wonderforge.com or find us on Facebook (facebook.com/WonderForge), Twitter (WonderForge), and Pinterest (pinterest.com/wonderforge).
About BRIO
For over a century, our driving force has been to spread joy among children around the world. We want to create happy childhood memories where the imagination is allowed to flow freely. BRIO is a Swedish toy brand that creates innovative, high quality and well- designed FSC® certified (N002103) wooden toys that give children a safe and fun play experience. The company was founded in 1884 and is represented in over 30 countries. To learn more visit BRIO.net.
SOURCE Ravensburger AG