Private equity firm Irving Place Capital has acquired Bendon, Inc. from The Wicks Group. Wicks had purchased a majority share of the children’s book publisher in February 2012.
“We have experienced strong growth with the Wicks team, and they have been a valuable partner to us throughout their ownership,” said Ben Ferguson, Bendon’s chief executive officer, in a statement. “We’ve built a better, more profitable business together, and we are excited to be teaming with IPC to continue our expansion, both organically and through acquisitions.”
Bendon, best known for its licensed coloring and activity books, has been expanding under Wicks’ ownership, acquiring Dalmatian Press in August 2013 and Artistic Studio in August 2014. It has also been adding formats, including higher-priced early childhood development products, puzzles, and craft kits, to supplement its core mass market business.
Bendon offers more than 2,000 products and holds licenses with Disney, Nickelodeon, Mattel, Warner Bros., Hasbro, and many other entertainment companies.
