Belgian puzzles and games company, Smart Toys and Games has acquired The Happy Puzzle Company.
The Happy Puzzle Company – a Hertfordshire based company known for its successful B2C operations in the UK – has reached in nearly three decades a customer base of over 400,000 happy puzzlers and a presence in over 14,000 UK schools. In recent years, it has also experienced major growth in the B2B market, with International distribution now in over 20 countries.
The acquisition by Smart – known for brands including SmartGames, Happy Cube and SmartMax – will bring The Happy Puzzle Company’s products into Smart’s growing portfolio and will increase distribution through its extensive worldwide network.
“Many of the great puzzles and games by The Happy Puzzle Company will be going through our talented product development and marketing teams and making their way too many more families of puzzle fans under the SmartGames brand’s wide international presence,” commented Rolf Vandoren, ceo of Smart. “We are really looking forward to working with Gavin and his team.”
Gavin Ucko will remain as ceo of The Happy Puzzle Company in the UK with the entire team, operating from its existing Elstree base. Gavin commented: “Smart and Happy Puzzle have already been working together for more than 20 years and the synergies between the two companies are clear.
“It’s incredibly exciting and the whole of the Happy Puzzle family is both proud and excited to be joining the Smart group of companies and teams.”
Both companies are also celebrating their 30th anniversaries this year.
