As China’s collectible toy market surges, the company is hoping to fund an aggressive expansion and build iconic IPs with a new listing
Key Takeaways:
- 52Toys has hired investment banks for a planned Hong Kong IPO, following the listing of rival Bloks earlier this year
- The collectible toymaker faces growing competition abroad and lags its domestic rivals in developing its own intellectual property
Once known as a cruel villain in Disney’s animated film “Toy Story 3,” Lots-O’-Huggin’ Bear, or Lotso, with his pink fur, big plum nose, and signature strawberry scent, has now become a darling of young toy collectors in China.
Part of Lotso’s charm lies in his lifelike design — his eyes seem to follow you wherever you go. A series of palm-sized Lotso figurines, offered in various postures, are sold in opaque “blind boxes” for around $10 each. The excitement of only discovering which figure you’ve received after making a purchase and opening the box adds a playful thrill for collectors.
The mastermind behind Lotso’s transformation from screen figurine into celebrity plaything is 52Toys, a rising star in China’s booming collectible toy market. Known for blending creativity with cultural trends, the company is rapidly carving out its place in this fast-growing industry.
Now, 52Toys, whose Chinese name sounds similar to “I love toys,” is in discussion with investment banks as it aims for an IPO in Hong Kong later this year, a source with knowledge of the plan told Bamboo Works. The company is seeking to raise up to $200 million, according to media reports.
Executives of the firm, which has already raised more than $80 million from private investors, including CICC Capital and the state-backed Qianhai Fund of Funds, dismissed the news as rumors, without offering more details.
Beijing-based 52Toys is the latest to tap into booming demand in China for collectible toys that carry much higher margins than traditional toys. It’s aiming to challenge more established players like Pop Mart International (9992.HK), whose shares have soared more than fivefold over the past year, as well as the …
Full story available on Benzinga.com
As China’s collectible toy market surges, the company is hoping to fund an aggressive expansion and build iconic IPs with a new listing
Key Takeaways:
- 52Toys has hired investment banks for a planned Hong Kong IPO, following the listing of rival Bloks earlier this year
- The collectible toymaker faces growing competition abroad and lags its domestic rivals in developing its own intellectual property
Once known as a cruel villain in Disney’s animated film “Toy Story 3,” Lots-O’-Huggin’ Bear, or Lotso, with his pink fur, big plum nose, and signature strawberry scent, has now become a darling of young toy collectors in China.
Part of Lotso’s charm lies in his lifelike design — his eyes seem to follow you wherever you go. A series of palm-sized Lotso figurines, offered in various postures, are sold in opaque “blind boxes” for around $10 each. The excitement of only discovering which figure you’ve received after making a purchase and opening the box adds a playful thrill for collectors.
The mastermind behind Lotso’s transformation from screen figurine into celebrity plaything is 52Toys, a rising star in China’s booming collectible toy market. Known for blending creativity with cultural trends, the company is rapidly carving out its place in this fast-growing industry.
Now, 52Toys, whose Chinese name sounds similar to “I love toys,” is in discussion with investment banks as it aims for an IPO in Hong Kong later this year, a source with knowledge of the plan told Bamboo Works. The company is seeking to raise up to $200 million, according to media reports.
Executives of the firm, which has already raised more than $80 million from private investors, including CICC Capital and the state-backed Qianhai Fund of Funds, dismissed the news as rumors, without offering more details.
Beijing-based 52Toys is the latest to tap into booming demand in China for collectible toys that carry much higher margins than traditional toys. It’s aiming to challenge more established players like Pop Mart International (9992.HK), whose shares have soared more than fivefold over the past year, as well as the …
Full story available on Benzinga.com
As China’s collectible toy market surges, the company is hoping to fund an aggressive expansion and build iconic IPs with a new listing
Key Takeaways:
52Toys has hired investment banks for a planned Hong Kong IPO, following the listing of rival Bloks earlier this year
The collectible toymaker faces growing competition abroad and lags its domestic rivals in developing its own intellectual property
Once known as a cruel villain in Disney’s animated film “Toy Story 3,” Lots-O’-Huggin’ Bear, or Lotso, with his pink fur, big plum nose, and signature strawberry scent, has now become a darling of young toy collectors in China.
Part of Lotso’s charm lies in his lifelike design — his eyes seem to follow you wherever you go. A series of palm-sized Lotso figurines, offered in various postures, are sold in opaque “blind boxes” for around $10 each. The excitement of only discovering which figure you’ve received after making a purchase and opening the box adds a playful thrill for collectors.
The mastermind behind Lotso’s transformation from screen figurine into celebrity plaything is 52Toys, a rising star in China’s booming collectible toy market. Known for blending creativity with cultural trends, the company is rapidly carving out its place in this fast-growing industry.
Now, 52Toys, whose Chinese name sounds similar to “I love toys,” is in discussion with investment banks as it aims for an IPO in Hong Kong later this year, a source with knowledge of the plan told Bamboo Works. The company is seeking to raise up to $200 million, according to media reports.
Executives of the firm, which has already raised more than $80 million from private investors, including CICC Capital and the state-backed Qianhai Fund of Funds, dismissed the news as rumors, without offering more details.
Beijing-based 52Toys is the latest to tap into booming demand in China for collectible toys that carry much higher margins than traditional toys. It’s aiming to challenge more established players like Pop Mart International (9992.HK), whose shares have soared more than fivefold over the past year, as well as the …Full story available on Benzinga.com Read MoreAsia, contributors, IPOs, Asia, IPOs, Benzinga IPOs
