Gifts / Sports & Toys

Jazwares signed a license agreement with Anjar & Becker Associates and Wham-O to produce a new series of pet toys.

This new transaction marks Jazwares' first foray into the field of pet toys, as Jazwares continues to expand and diversify its product portfolio following a recent deal with Marvel that includes pet clothing and accessories.

The Wham-O pet toy collection includes balls, discs, tugboat toys, plush toys inspired by the company's classic American toy brands. The Wham-O lineup includes iconic toys such as Slip N’Slide, Frisbee, Hula Hoop, etc.

Michael Rinzler, executive vice president and partner of Jazwares, said: "For decades, Wham-O toys have been the center of family activities across the United States." "As we continue to expand Jazwares products beyond our core toy and collectibles business, We look forward to bringing our innovative, high-quality consumer product approach to the pet category."

"Jazwares has a reputation for bringing creativity, innovation and quality toys to all its brands, and I am confident that this will be the best partner for Wham-O brand pet toys," said Jonathan Becker, president of Anjar. "This opportunity will benefit pets and their owners around the world and encourage them to be active all day."

Pets are big business. In recent years, several toy brands including Tonka and NERF have jumped from the toy department to the pet department. Jazwares' Wham-O pet toy series is scheduled to be released in the fall of 2022.

With the appointment of Jonny Taylor as senior vice president in charge of European operations, Holly Oldham was appointed as managing director in charge of operations in the UK and Northern Europe, and Jazwares advanced its European expansion plan.

The latest development is part of Jazwares' ongoing European expansion plan, which has been implemented for 8 years with the establishment of offices in the UK and Germany.

Taylor established the UK office in 2012 and started to manage the German office in February 2020. Taylor will continue to support the development of these markets while also focusing on growth in other key regions.