Chattanooga, TN – PlayCore Holdings, Inc. (PlayCore), a leading designer, manufacturer, and marketer of a broad range of playground, park and recreation, and youth fitness programs and products and a portfolio company of Irving Place Capital, is pleased to announce the acquisitions of BigToys, Inc. and Spectrum Products, LLC. BigToys manufactures earth-friendly, architecturally-focused, commercial playground equipment from sustainably harvested wood or recycled steel and plastic. Spectrum Products manufactures a broad array of affordable, state-of-the art, quality products, which are used in the construction, operation, and maintenance of commercial swimming pools and spas, including specialization in assisted-access lifts.
BigToys will be added to the family of PlayCore brands under the umbrella of the Recreation Brands Group. The company will continue operating in Olympia, Washington, and former owner Tim Madeley will continue to serve as the company’s general manager. The Recreation Brands Group will be responsible for working with the BigToys management team on the sales and marketing development of the business. Tim Madeley commented, “All of us at BigToys are extremely proud to become a part of the PlayCore family. We just celebrated our fortieth year of business, and we are looking forward to new growth opportunities for years to come as we continue our heritage that aligns with the PlayCore mission and values.”
Spectrum Products will be added to the family of PlayCore brands under the umbrella of PlayCore’s EverActive Brands Group. The EverActive Brands Group, under the leadership of Tim Sudeith, will be responsible for working with the Spectrum Products team, including Jerry McConnell, on the sales and marketing development of the business. The company will continue operating in Missoula, Montana. “We are very excited about joining the PlayCore family of brands. Their leadership and reputation for quality products and services, aligned with our commitment to quality and innovation, will provide us meaningful opportunities to expand our capabilities with new products and different markets,” said Jerry McConnell.
“We are very excited about the addition of BigToys and Spectrum Products to the PlayCore family of brands. They further expand our full-service product offering that is consistent with our mission of helping ‘Build Communities through Play,’” said Bob Farnsworth, President and CEO of PlayCore. “The addition of the BigToys brand expands our Recreation Brands Group playground offering to include a leading brand in the category of architecturally focused, environmentally friendly play systems. Spectrum, now a part of our EverActive Brands Group, expands our fitness-focused products into the aquatic recreation category.”
“PlayCore is committed to advancing play through research, education, partnerships, and a full array of product solutions,” continued Farnsworth. “These acquisitions, along with many new product innovations – like our GameTime PlayTrails introduction and the development of loose parts play with our new Snug Play USA line – allow us to uniquely serve the diverse needs of communities through an array of product solutions while demonstrating our commitment to providing leadership in play.”
About PlayCore:
PlayCore helps build stronger communities around the world by advancing play through research, programs, and partnerships. We infuse this learning into our complete family of brands.
We combine best in class planning and education programs with the most comprehensive array of recreation products available to create solutions that match the unique needs of each community we serve.
About BigToys:
BigToys is a commercial playground equipment company promoting environmental awareness and responsible stewardship of natural resources. The company specializes in the use of recycled, recyclable, and renewable materials and enhances the lives of children up to 12 years of age. More information is available about BigToys at www.bigtoys.com.
About Spectrum Products:
Spectrum Products manufactures and distributes a broad array of affordable, state-of-the art, quality products used in the construction, operation, and maintenance of commercial swimming pools and spas. The company specializes in assisted-access lifts and products for the therapy and rehabilitation market. More information is available about Spectrum Products at www.spectrumproducts.com.
About Irving Place Capital, Inc.:
Irving Place Capital invests private-equity capital in compelling buyouts, recapitalizations and growth capital opportunities alongside superior management teams. The company focuses on making control- or entrepreneur-driven investments. Since its formation in 1997, Irving Place Capital has invested in more than 50 companies and raised over $4 billion of capital, including its current $2.7 billion institutional fund. More information about Irving Place Capital is available at www.irvingplacecapital.com.
For more information, contact:
Rick Ruegger, PlayCore (423) 425-3166
