Intrepid Investment Bankers, a leading middle-market investment bank and the advisory arm of MUFG, a global financial group, announced today that it served as the exclusive financial advisor to McFarlane Toys (the “Company”) on its majority acquisition by Gladstone Investment Corporation (Nasdaq: GAIN) (“Gladstone”), a publicly traded business development company. Co-owners Todd McFarlane and Stephan Tetrault will remain meaningful shareholders alongside Gladstone and will continue their involvement in the business together with the Company’s management team.
A Collectibles Powerhouse Built on Artistry and Licensing
Founded in 1994 by Todd McFarlane, McFarlane Toys began with the debut Spawn action figure line and has since grown into a global leader in collectible licensed action figures and statues. What started as a mission to bring adult-collector-grade detail to a category dominated by simple, play-oriented toys has evolved into a design-driven business trusted by some of the biggest names in entertainment, gaming, and sports.
McFarlane Toys’ reach spans across multiple enthusiast categories including comic, film, television, music, gaming, and sports. Some of the more notable licensed properties include Marvel, Avatar, Call of Duty, NFL and MLB Sports Picks, and Poppy Playtime. This breadth of licensing relationships reflects the trust McFarlane has built with entertainment studios, IP platforms, publishers and leagues over three decades in the category.
McFarlane Toys has built its reputation on exceptional artistry, innovative design, and an unwavering commitment to quality. By combining McFarlane Toys’ unique form factor with licensed IP, collectors can get the best of both worlds and participate in culturally relevant IP as it evolves with the continuity of McFarlane Toys’ uniquely designed products.
McFarlane Toys reaches consumers through national and specialty retailers, domestic and international distributors, e-commerce, and its direct-to-consumer business.
A Formidable New Partnership for the Next Chapter
In partnership with Gladstone, the Company is positioned to accelerate its next phase of growth through continued product innovation, expansion into new collectible categories, development of strategic licensing partnerships, and increased penetration across domestic and international markets.
“When I started McFarlane Toys, the goal was to give fans and collectors products with a level of detail and creativity that stood apart,” said Todd McFarlane, Founder of McFarlane Toys. “That commitment remains at the heart of our business. We are excited to partner with Gladstone Investment and the new opportunities that will give us, as we continue developing new products, supporting our licensing partners, and delivering the quality and creativity our fans expect.”
“Finding the right strategic partner was a critical priority for us, and Intrepid played an instrumental role in helping us achieve that objective,” said Stephan Tetrault, Chief Executive Officer and co-owner of McFarlane Toys. “Their team demonstrated a deep understanding of our business and provided valuable guidance throughout the process. With Gladstone’s experience and resources, we’re excited to accelerate our growth, expand our global presence, and continue building on the legacy that has made McFarlane Toys a leader in the collectibles industry.”
Why This Deal Matters
“Collectibles and licensed products have become one of the most compelling segments in the consumer products sector, driven by a growing base of dedicated adult collectors and fans,” said Kyle Kearney, Director at Intrepid. “McFarlane has spent three decades setting the standard for detail and craftsmanship in the category, and that reputation has made it a trusted partner to many of the most recognized IP owners in the world across key entertainment, gaming, and sports properties.”
Kearney continued, “Today’s collectors aren’t just buying products; they’re investing in the franchises and characters they love. Brands that deliver on that passion with uncompromising quality are the ones that will win. McFarlane Toys has become the go-to name for collectors, and we are excited to see the brand reach even more fans in the years ahead.”
“This transaction builds upon Intrepid’s deep experience representing toy and licensed products companies for more than three decades, and we are thrilled to have represented a brand as iconic as McFarlane Toys on securing a partner for its next chapter of growth,” said Mike Rosenberg, Senior Managing Director at Intrepid.