Inside Out
By Maria Weiskott -- Playthings, 4/1/2004
On the acquisition trail…Action Products is reportedly looking to acquire all the assets of an unnamed specialty toy company. So far, though, company officials are "mum" on the target, while due diligence is underway. And then, of course, there is the matter of board approval. Word is, the acquisition is expected to be completed by month's end…And speaking of completion, the new FAO Schwarz will reportedly re-open at its landmark location in New York City, as well as in Las Vegas, in the next several months. Buyers from FAO were on hand at the recent American International Toy Fair browsing the booths and showrooms. According to insiders, the new store is not quite going to wax familiar, but will bring new meaning to the word "destination"…Another toy retailer with plans to emerge from Chapter 11, KB Toys is expected to present its reorganization strategy at an upcoming Toy Industry Association Multi-Discipline Conference. Set for July 18 to 20 in the Windy City, the confab promises to cover some other hard-hitting topics, including navigating the bankruptcy maze and credit protection, as well as corporate globalization…Some musical chairs: George Volanakis, formerly a senior exec at Hasbro, was tapped as president and chief executive of Zindart's Corgi divisions.
