Spin Master Strengthens Central Eastern European Presence

TORONTO, June 23, 2016 /CNW/ - Spin Master Corp. ("Spin Master" or the "Company") (TSX: TOY), a leading global children's entertainment company, has announced plans to expand its operations in Central Eastern Europe (CEE).

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160622/382685LOGO)

Spin Master, one of the top 10 global toy, games and entertainment companies, will begin trading in the region, which comprises Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania, in 2017. Spin Master will also assume distribution for the majority of its brands and looks forward to working closely with retailers in each of the countries. The Company's brands include Zoomer, Bunchems, Air Hogs, Meccano and the global preschool phenomenon, PAW Patrol.

Spin Master's‎ sales and marketing functions for the Company's expansion into the CEE will be managed out of Prague, Czech Republic and supported by Spin Master's centralized European Finance & Operations functions located in Bratislava, Slovakia. Sales and marketing efforts for the CEE initiative comprise Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania‎.

"Spin Master has established a strong foundation in Central Eastern Europe and we're confident with new leadership in the region, the team in Prague handling the sales and marketing, and our strong and innovative portfolio, we will build a powerful presence in the region," said Ben Gadbois, President and COO, Spin Master Ltd.

Spin Master recently appointed Pavol Vano to the new role of CEE General Manager.  Mr. Vano will be based in Prague and oversee sales and marketing activities in Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania‎. Prior to joining Spin Master, Mr. Vano held roles including Commercial Head of CEE-S and Commercial Director at Hasbro.

The CEE expansion follows the announcement earlier this year of Spin Master's Australian subsidiary, and new offices and an expanded team in Mexico.  

About Spin Master
Spin Master is a leading global children's entertainment company that creates, designs, manufactures and markets a diversified portfolio of innovative toys, games, products and entertainment properties. Spin Master is best known for award-winning brands including Zoomer™ Dino, Bakugan Battle Brawlers™, Air Hogs^®, and 2015 Toys of The Year, Bunchems and Meccanoid G15. Since 2005, Spin Master has received 63 TIA Toy of The Year (TOTY) nominations with 16 wins across a variety of product categories. Spin Master has been recognized with 12 TOTY nominations for Innovative Toy of the Year, more than any of its competitors. Spin Master is among a limited number of companies that not only develop and produce global entertainment properties, characters and content, but also monetize that content through the creation, sale and licensing of products. To date, Spin Master has produced six television series, including 2007 hit series Bakugan Battle Brawlers and its current hit PAW Patrol, which is broadcast in over 160 countries and territories globally. Spin Master employs over 1,000 people globally with offices in Canada, United States, Mexico, France, Italy, United Kingdom, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, China, Hong Kong, Japan, and Australia. 

SOURCE Spin Master

Image with caption: "Spin Master (CNW Group/Spin Master)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160623_C6505_PHOTO_EN_720523.jpg

Tara Tucker, Vice President, Global Marketing Communications, Spin Master Ltd., [email protected]