News / Lindam joins forces with Munchkin to build...
Lindam joins forces with Munchkin to build international presence
Monday 18th January 2010
North Yorkshire baby brand Lindam, Europe's leading child home safety brand, has been acquired by US-based baby and toddler product designer and manufacturer Munchkin.
Harrogate-based Lindam, which is more than 20 years old, specialises in nursery and safety products, including safety gates, bed guards, play pens and door bouncers.
Munchkin, based in California, said the deal would enable the two businesses to build on their international presences.
Lindam was advised by David Hardless and Ben Peacock of Park Place Corporate Finance in Leeds, and Jonathan Jones and Paul Mann of law firm Hammonds in Leeds.
Mark Rycroft, Lindam's managing director, said: “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.
“The combination of our extensive and innovative product portfolios instantly creates a huge international presence for both brands.”
Steven Dunn, chairman and chief executive of Munchkin, based in North Hills, said: “This is an excellent strategic addition for Munchkin given the complementary nature of the two companies’ product portfolios.
"This transaction instantly provides a substantial global footprint from which we can accelerate the growing international distribution of our existing portfolio and forthcoming product ranges.”
The tie-up will add Munchkin's portfolio of products across infant categories such as bath, care, travel and feeding to Lindam's product range.
Established in 1991, Munchkin's products include 'White Hot Technology' that lets parents know if a baby's bath water is too hot or if the inside of a car is too hot.
The company owns more than 100 patents and its products can be found in more than 25,000 retail outlets internationally; its products include cots, bottles, monitors, playpens and high chairs.
Lindam, which employs 40 staff and is expected to recruit further following the deal, focuses on the design, development and manufacture of high quality, affordable products for babies and young children.
Mr Jones said: "The thing that attracted Munchkin to Lindam was its range of products and the opportunity to distribute them across North America.
"This really is a great opportunity to drive the Lindam business forward. This is the second transaction we've worked on to complete this week, and the positive thing is that there are more to come."
