It’s likely not the last piece in this puzzle, but Spin Master has bought Canada’s 4D Brands International in a move to further expand its product offering in the games category.

The sale is likely to close in January, and then the plan is for 4D founder Shaun Sakdinan to join Spin Master as senior design director.

Spin has been on an M&A streak for some time as it works to build out its infrastructure in product categories adjacent to toys that can fully capitalize on its entertainment brands and licensing assets. Puzzles are considered year-round entertainment, and 4D’s unique take on the category attracted Spin’s interest, said co-founder Anton Rabie in a release.

4D launched more than a decade ago, but really broke into the toy market with its Cityscape 3D puzzles that replicate different cities around the world. The company also has licensed puzzle kits that let consumers build movie settings and pop culture landmarks from brands such as Star Wars (pictured), Harry Potter and DC Comics.

Puzzle sales boomed during the pandemic, generating US$6.56 billion in revenue worldwide in 2021, according to Statista. But as families have resumed out-of-home activities this year, Spin Master saw the performance of its activities, games & puzzles and plush category dip by 10% to US$175.6 million in Q3 (which ended on September 30). Now it’s looking to keep the puzzle (and game) party going. 

The purchase of 4D follows on the heels of several other acquisitions Spin Master has closed in recent months to strengthen its toy and digital game portfolio. In August, the company bought Oklahoma-based board game manufacturer SolidRoots for an undisclosed amount. And in the digital games space, it picked up the rest of Stockholm-based developer Nørdlight, which is already working on leveraging popular kids IPs from its new owner’s brand portfolio, including PAW Patrol.