British toy manufacturer HTI Group has acquired Manchester-based Sambro International in a deal that creates a new industry heavyweight with a broad catalogue of original and licensed toys. 

HTI has licensing deals in place to leverage kids brands including Peppa Pig, Gabby’s Dollhouse, Bluey and PAW Patrol in products lines such as Bubblz (bubbles), Baby Chic (doll-sized strollers and baby buggies) and Roleplay (toy versions of everyday items like cameras or cash registers). 

Meanwhile, Sambro is one of the UK’s largest licensed toy manufacturers, boasting Disney, Nickelodeon, Mattel and Hasbro as major partners in product categories like arts & crafts, games and fashion apparel. 

There’s minimal overlap between the two companies’ businesses—but they both have bubble ranges and work with some of the same licenses, such as Peppa Pig. 

Acquiring Sambro creates a company with combined annual sales of more than US$161 million and a presence in 70-plus international markets. And the move will help HTI expand its reach in Europe. 

Both companies will continue operating in their existing UK locations.