Amscan acquire Riethmuller and Christys
One of the world’s largest designers, manufacturers, distributors and retailers of party goods, Amscan, has announced the acquisition of 150-year-old German balloon producer Riethmuller and UK costume maker Christys.
The Riethmuller Group employs over 600 individuals with operations in Germany, Poland, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Scunthorpe, giving the Amscan group an international presence in several new markets.
Riethmuller, based near Stuttgart, has been family-owned for five generations since it was founded by Carl Riethmuller in 1855 and is a well-known brand for party and carnival items in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Herr Riethmuller and his management team will join the Amscan European team in formulating strategy and key decisions within the enlarged group.
Christys, formed during the reign of George III in 1773 as a manufacturer of quality hats by Miller Christy, has since been run by eight generations of his family. The company has added costumes, garments and accessories to its line, with a Pan-European licence for Disney and product ranges for major retailers like Marks and Spencer and Asda.
“We are delighted to welcome Riethmuller and Christys into the Amscan family,” commented AHI senior vice-president (international operations) Mark Ashcroft. “This effectively doubles the size of our international business. In addition to the extra international revenue, these companies bring the AHI family of companies an expansion of its vertical business model into the costume and latex balloon categories. This will enhance our competitive position in the market.”
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