NEWS PAGE
NEWS UPDATE Amscan International acquires Ginger Ray Worldwide designer, manufacturer, distributor and omnichannel retailer of party products and supplies, Amscan International, has acquired leading celebrations brand, Ginger Ray. Amscan says the move marks an important step in the group's ambitious strategic growth plans. Gary Panons, ceo, Amscan International, commented: "We are delighted to complete the acquisition of Ginger Ray. Ben Spence and the Ginger Ray team have developed an industry leading brand and we believe that with a combination of our mutual strengths we can help the brand develop further." Joe Hennigan, cfo/coo of Amscan International, added: "Developing our
brand proposition is the cornerstone of our strategic plan and we are delighted to be partnering with the market leading brand in our category. We have known Ben and the team for a number of years and believe that combining our efforts will accelerate the growth of Ginger Ray." Ginger Ray has created an innovative, aspirational product range over the last eight years, which is stocked by over 600 retailers worldwide. Partnering with Amscan International will enable Ginger Ray to benefit from an extensive global network and access to Amscan’s International capabilities in e-commerce and supply chain. Ginger Ray will continue to operate under its own trading name and the existing Ginger
Ray team, including md, Ben Spence, will continue in their current roles. Ben Spence, md, Ginger Ray, said: "We are thrilled to be partnering with Amscan International. We believe that access to the global network and capabilities of Amscan International will enable us to fully focus on what we do best: crating beautiful products for our customers." Matthew Jubb, Endless LLP, commented: "We are delighted to provide further support to the Amscan International management team and we warmly welcome Ben and his colleagues to the group. We believe that their new partnership will allow both Amscan International and Ginger Ray to each accelerate their already ambitious growth plans."
Rubies unveils Shang-Chi and the Legends of the Ten Rings costumes depicting his classic costume as seen in the film, with a red shine jersey tunic top with foam padding and shiny black trousers. Tracey Devine-Tyley, head of portfolio and licensing EMEA, commented: “As our strong partnership with Marvel continues to grow, we are delighted to be bringing the character of Shang-Chi to life with our costumes. “As we are an industry leader, we understand how important Marvel’s first Asian led superhero film is, especially to younger viewers. It is imperative children can look at the characters they see in the media and see themselves in them, thereby growing and exploring their budding personalities using these positive roles as inspiration. Therefore, we are thrilled to be able to create these costumes and know that we are positively influencing our youngest audience.”
Rubies has announced the next chapter in its ongoing partnership with Marvel as it brings the officially licensed costumes for explosive superhero film, Shang-Chi and the Legends of the Ten Rings. The film, which hit screens in September, is the first Marvel film to feature an American Asian lead and the first to feature a predominantly Asian cast. The storyline follows Shang-Chi, a master of unarmed weaponrybased Kung Fu, as he is drawn into the mysterious Ten Rings organisation. Highly anticipated by fans, the film has outperformed every expectation at the box office, having earned $94 million domestically over its opening weekend and breaking the box office record for a Labour Day release in the US. Rubies’ officially licensed costumes are available in the style worn by the protagonist, Shang-Chi,
Obituary: Smiffys’
Left: Rubies is bringing the character of Shang-Chi to life with its new costume as part of its ongoing partnership with Marvel
Craig Walker
Smiffys is enormously sad to announce the tragic news that Craig Walker, head of finance, has passed away following a short and unexpected medical condition. In a statement, Smiffys said: ‘Craig was a highly valued senior member of the Smiffys family and was fiercely loyal to the Peckett family and the Smiffys business. ‘His knowledge, presence, constant smile and good humour will be greatly missed by all of us and our thoughts are with his family in Above: Smiffys Craig] Craig Walker. these incredibly difficult circumstances.’ Elliott Peckett, director, commented: “Craig was not only an employee, but a great friend of the family and all who worked with him. He was as much a supporter of our family, as he was of the business. He served some 14 years for the company and was incredibly highly regarded by all who worked with him, both internal and external. Craig always had a friendly smile and a willingness to help and he will be sorely missed.”
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OCTOBER 2021 PROGRESSIVE PARTY EUROPE
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Above: The fill-your-own cracker range is big business for Club Green this year.
Club Green launches sustainable fillyour-own crackers for Christmas A completely eco-friendly line has been added to Club Green’s popular DIY cracker collection. The new products have no foiling or plastic, so are fully recyclable and ready to be filled with anything from sweet treats to games, and mini shots to keepsakes. The new Santa Paws design joins the Rose Gold, Gold and Nutcracker ranges. Also available in the Santa Paws range is a collection of fully recyclable paper cups, plates and napkins. For more information on this and the rest of Club Green’s Christmas ranges, visit www.clubgreen. com or call 01483 281313.
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04/10/2021 18:24