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Friday, September 28, 2007
STREETSBORO, OHIO (Sept 28, 2007)—The Step2 Company, LLC ("Step2"), an American toddler toy company and world's largest rotational molding manufacturer, designer and marketer of children's play kitchens, playhouses, outdoor toys and ride on toys, announced today the acquisition by its parent, Step2 Holdings, LLC, of privately owned Infantino, LLC ("Infantino") headquartered in California. Infantino is a leading designer and marketer of infant toys and accessories with popular lines ranging from classic creative baby toys to next generation baby travel systems, such as soft baby carriers, shopping cart covers, baby supports, puzzles and activity toys. Infantino is recognized for its commitment to classic play and promoting the bond between parent and baby. Together Infantino's dedicated team and innovative products have earned the brand a major presence with the mass market, specialty and international retailers alike.
Scott Levin, Step2 President and CEO, announced: "Step2 is excited to combine creative teams and resources with Infantino. There are tremendous synergies in shared entrepreneurial cultures, family values and customer focus. Both companies are committed to creating safe and innovative products that promote imaginative play and healthy fun, allowing 'Babies to be Babies' and 'Kids to be Kids.'"
Step2 and Infantino will operate as separate business units, but combine resources to create a natural extension of complementary lines to the preschool category, and to safeguard the high quality standards of each product. In addition, cross merchandising and marketing opportunities for the expanded product lines will create earlier exposure in a child's life cycle for the Step2® brand than was previously possible. Both brands build off the belief of developmental play as a cornerstone for early childhood education and growth.
Yvonne Marsh, a Senior Managing Director of Liberty Partners, L.P., the majority owner of Step2 further stated, "The acquisition of Infantino is a great investment strategy for future growth by connecting the 0-7 age range and shared customer base. We are delighted to add its marketing flair and product expertise to our investment portfolio."
Michael Silberstein, Infantino President added: "I'm proud of what Infantino has done to develop our brand through fresh product designs, innovative package design and meaningful customer relationships and am thrilled about the future potential to grow sales along with Step2."
About Step2
Step2, based in Streetsboro, Ohio, is the world's largest rotational molding manufacturer, designer and marketer of children's and home products sold under the Step2 brand. Known for providing durable, imaginative and active fun, Step2 is a market leader in outdoor toys, playhouses, play kitchens, sand and water play, ride on toys, swing sets, wagons and kid's furniture; as well as mailboxes, home & garden outdoor furniture and trash cans. Some of the company's most popular brands are Naturally Playful®, LifeStyle®, MainStreet Village® and MailMaster®. Step2 distributes its toy and home & garden products through multiple retail channels including toy retailers, mass merchants, home centers, and the Internet. www.Step2.com
About Infantino
Infantino, headquartered in San Diego, CA is a leading designer and international distributor of innovative and original infant and toddler products. With fashion true designs, their popular product lines range from classic creative baby toys and puzzles, innovative soft baby carriers and simple, no fuss baby travel systems. The Infantino brand is a major player in the juvenile industry and continues to evolve by staying on top of industry market trends, fashion, unique licensing opportunities and emerging technologies that add value to their products. www.Infantino.com
About Liberty Partners
Liberty Partners, L.P., acquired Step2 in 2006 and specializes in middle-market private equity investments in niche manufacturing, business services, and education-related companies. Since its founding in 1992, the firm has committed over $1 billion to more than 50 investments. Liberty typically seeks to deploy $20 million to $75 million of equity for controlling or substantial-minority positions in North American-based companies through a range of transaction structures—leveraged buyouts, corporate divestitures, recapitalizations, going-privates, build-ups, and growth financings. www.libertypartners.com
CONTACT:
Dotti Foltz
Vice President Marketing Communications
dfoltz@step2.net
330-656-0440
Scott Levin, Step2 President and CEO, announced: "Step2 is excited to combine creative teams and resources with Infantino. There are tremendous synergies in shared entrepreneurial cultures, family values and customer focus. Both companies are committed to creating safe and innovative products that promote imaginative play and healthy fun, allowing 'Babies to be Babies' and 'Kids to be Kids.'"
Step2 and Infantino will operate as separate business units, but combine resources to create a natural extension of complementary lines to the preschool category, and to safeguard the high quality standards of each product. In addition, cross merchandising and marketing opportunities for the expanded product lines will create earlier exposure in a child's life cycle for the Step2® brand than was previously possible. Both brands build off the belief of developmental play as a cornerstone for early childhood education and growth.
Yvonne Marsh, a Senior Managing Director of Liberty Partners, L.P., the majority owner of Step2 further stated, "The acquisition of Infantino is a great investment strategy for future growth by connecting the 0-7 age range and shared customer base. We are delighted to add its marketing flair and product expertise to our investment portfolio."
Michael Silberstein, Infantino President added: "I'm proud of what Infantino has done to develop our brand through fresh product designs, innovative package design and meaningful customer relationships and am thrilled about the future potential to grow sales along with Step2."
About Step2
Step2, based in Streetsboro, Ohio, is the world's largest rotational molding manufacturer, designer and marketer of children's and home products sold under the Step2 brand. Known for providing durable, imaginative and active fun, Step2 is a market leader in outdoor toys, playhouses, play kitchens, sand and water play, ride on toys, swing sets, wagons and kid's furniture; as well as mailboxes, home & garden outdoor furniture and trash cans. Some of the company's most popular brands are Naturally Playful®, LifeStyle®, MainStreet Village® and MailMaster®. Step2 distributes its toy and home & garden products through multiple retail channels including toy retailers, mass merchants, home centers, and the Internet. www.Step2.com
About Infantino
Infantino, headquartered in San Diego, CA is a leading designer and international distributor of innovative and original infant and toddler products. With fashion true designs, their popular product lines range from classic creative baby toys and puzzles, innovative soft baby carriers and simple, no fuss baby travel systems. The Infantino brand is a major player in the juvenile industry and continues to evolve by staying on top of industry market trends, fashion, unique licensing opportunities and emerging technologies that add value to their products. www.Infantino.com
About Liberty Partners
Liberty Partners, L.P., acquired Step2 in 2006 and specializes in middle-market private equity investments in niche manufacturing, business services, and education-related companies. Since its founding in 1992, the firm has committed over $1 billion to more than 50 investments. Liberty typically seeks to deploy $20 million to $75 million of equity for controlling or substantial-minority positions in North American-based companies through a range of transaction structures—leveraged buyouts, corporate divestitures, recapitalizations, going-privates, build-ups, and growth financings. www.libertypartners.com
CONTACT:
Dotti Foltz
Vice President Marketing Communications
dfoltz@step2.net
330-656-0440
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Jim Nagy, Bill Bregar, and Scott Levin
STREETSBORO, OHIO (Sept 28, 2007)—The Step2 Company, the nation's largest toy manufacturer, has for the second consecutive year been ranked #1 North American Rotational Molder. Step2 garnered the first place spot out of 96 companies in a survey conducted by the Crain publication Plastics News.
This year's report represented over 20 different market segments including toys, automotive, aerospace, government/defense, and others. Step2 is known for manufacturing rotationally-molded children's play kitchens, outdoor toys, kid furniture, and other toys, as well as home products and mailboxes.
Step2 Vice President of Manufacturing Jim Nagy and Step2 President and CEO Scott Levin are proud to accept an award for this accomplishment from Plastics News reporter Bill Bregar at the Step2 corporate headquarters in Streetsboro, OH.
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Monday, September 24, 2007
While we have had country-of-origin labeling on our website for over a week now, we have now also created a list of all our toys that are labeled "Made in U.S.A." or "Made in U.S.A. of US and imported parts". You may view both the American-made toys list and the Information on Labeling and Quality statement that explains our labeling methods on our website.
If an item does not show up on the "Made in U.S.A." list, please refer to the product details page on our website for further information on the origin of its components.
If an item does not show up on the "Made in U.S.A." list, please refer to the product details page on our website for further information on the origin of its components.
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Thursday, September 13, 2007
Contact: Brian Kirkendall
Vice President of Marketing, Step2
330-528-7384; bkirkendall@step2.net
Amy Colton, Current Lifestyle Marketing
312-929-0503; acolton@currentlm.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Brian Kirkendall
Vice President of Marketing, Step2
330-528-7384; bkirkendall@step2.net
Amy Colton, Current Lifestyle Marketing
312-929-0503; acolton@currentlm.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
STEP2® TOYS INTRODUCES NEW "MADE IN THE USA" LABELING
Nation's Largest Toy Manufacturer Leads Charge for Clearer Information for Consumers
STREETSBORO, OHIO (Sept. 12, 2007) — The Step2 Company, LLC (www.step2.com) announced today a new labeling policy to better inform consumers about the country of manufacture for its top-selling toys. Step2 is based in Streetsboro, Ohio, and is the world's largest rotational molding manufacturer — known for creating outdoor toys, play kitchens and play houses popular among families across America.
Ninety percent of Step2 products are made and assembled in the United States, and the company is the first toy maker to change its labeling to better inform consumers.
According to Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guidelines, nearly all Step2 toys could be labeled "Made in the U.S.A." However, the company has set a higher standard for labeling and is therefore noting when accessories or smaller toys are sourced from overseas manufacturing plants.
"We believe it's critical to clearly inform our customers about which products we make in the United States and which products include imported accessories. Our goal is to make it easy for people to make an informed choice," said Scott Levin, Step2 CEO and President. "As a leading U.S. toy manufacturer, Step2 will label its products in one of three ways to clearly communicate what is 'Made in the U.S.A.'"
Levin added that no Step2 accessory toys or small component parts are manufactured at any of the plants involved in recent recalls. In fact, all imported products and components meet the same testing requirements and guidelines as the Step2 products produced in the United States.
"We set a higher standard for our toys and with this new labeling, consumers will be able to see exactly what they are buying and be confident of the product's safety," said Levin.
The new labels will appear on all Step2 toys online beginning next week and will be on shelves in time for the holiday season. Step2 hopes the new labels will make the product information clear for retailers as well as parents. Three labels will be used:
"We are proud of our U.S. manufacturing heritage and feel that as the largest U.S. toy manufacturer it is our responsibility to eliminate confusion. We hope that other toy companies follow our lead in providing the consumer with the information they need to make informed choices," said Levin.
For more information about Step2, or for questions concerning products, please contact Step2 via www.Step2.com or call 1-800-347-8372.
About Step2 Step2, based in Streetsboro, Ohio, is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of predominately large format, rotationally molded children's and home products sold under the Step2 brand. Known for providing durable, imaginative and active fun, Step2 is a market leader in outdoor toys (trademark Naturally Playful®), play kitchens (trademark LifeStyle®), playhouses, sand and water play, ride on toys, swing sets, wagons and kids furniture; as well as mailboxes (trademark MailMaster®), storage sheds, home & garden outdoor furniture and trash cans. Step2 distributes its toy and home & garden products through multiple retail channels including toy retailers, mass merchants, home centers, and the Internet.
Nation's Largest Toy Manufacturer Leads Charge for Clearer Information for Consumers
STREETSBORO, OHIO (Sept. 12, 2007) — The Step2 Company, LLC (www.step2.com) announced today a new labeling policy to better inform consumers about the country of manufacture for its top-selling toys. Step2 is based in Streetsboro, Ohio, and is the world's largest rotational molding manufacturer — known for creating outdoor toys, play kitchens and play houses popular among families across America.
Ninety percent of Step2 products are made and assembled in the United States, and the company is the first toy maker to change its labeling to better inform consumers.
According to Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guidelines, nearly all Step2 toys could be labeled "Made in the U.S.A." However, the company has set a higher standard for labeling and is therefore noting when accessories or smaller toys are sourced from overseas manufacturing plants.
"We believe it's critical to clearly inform our customers about which products we make in the United States and which products include imported accessories. Our goal is to make it easy for people to make an informed choice," said Scott Levin, Step2 CEO and President. "As a leading U.S. toy manufacturer, Step2 will label its products in one of three ways to clearly communicate what is 'Made in the U.S.A.'"
Levin added that no Step2 accessory toys or small component parts are manufactured at any of the plants involved in recent recalls. In fact, all imported products and components meet the same testing requirements and guidelines as the Step2 products produced in the United States.
"We set a higher standard for our toys and with this new labeling, consumers will be able to see exactly what they are buying and be confident of the product's safety," said Levin.
The new labels will appear on all Step2 toys online beginning next week and will be on shelves in time for the holiday season. Step2 hopes the new labels will make the product information clear for retailers as well as parents. Three labels will be used:
- "Made in the U.S.A." will appear on all toys made and assembled in the U.S., and meet regulations as outlined by the FTC that "virtually all" of the product and components are U.S. made. Additionally, for a Step2 product to be labeled as "Made in the U.S.A.," any imported parts must not be integral to the play of the toy and should be attached to the product. For example, hubcaps, cap nuts and doorbells are parts of a product but not integral to the play of the toy.
- "Made in the U.S.A. of U.S. and Imported Parts" will appear on toys made and assembled in the U.S. with mostly domestic made components and some foreign-sourced smaller accessory components (such as pretend kitchen cookware and accessories). Under FTC guidelines, Step2 technically would be allowed to label these toys as "Made in the U.S.A.," but the distinguishing factor for Step2 is that these accessories are integral to the play of the toy and should therefore be called out for consumers.
- "Made in 'Country-of-Origin'" will denote toys produced outside of the U.S., but which still undergo rigorous quality and safety testing by Step2.
"We are proud of our U.S. manufacturing heritage and feel that as the largest U.S. toy manufacturer it is our responsibility to eliminate confusion. We hope that other toy companies follow our lead in providing the consumer with the information they need to make informed choices," said Levin.
For more information about Step2, or for questions concerning products, please contact Step2 via www.Step2.com or call 1-800-347-8372.
About Step2 Step2, based in Streetsboro, Ohio, is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of predominately large format, rotationally molded children's and home products sold under the Step2 brand. Known for providing durable, imaginative and active fun, Step2 is a market leader in outdoor toys (trademark Naturally Playful®), play kitchens (trademark LifeStyle®), playhouses, sand and water play, ride on toys, swing sets, wagons and kids furniture; as well as mailboxes (trademark MailMaster®), storage sheds, home & garden outdoor furniture and trash cans. Step2 distributes its toy and home & garden products through multiple retail channels including toy retailers, mass merchants, home centers, and the Internet.
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