The Entertainer snaps up Spanish toy retailer Poly

The Entertainer bought Poly out of administration for an undisclosed sum, and said the deal will bolster its growing international operations.

Poly has branches in shopping centres and high streets and formerly held a market share of 5%. The deal will protect about 350 jobs.

The Entertainer co-founder and executive chairman Gary Grant said: “This year has been incredibly turbulent for the Poly team as they faced so much uncertainty, and we look forward to welcoming them to The Entertainer family.

“The Poly brand will be retained but aligned with The Entertainer’s core values, which put our people and our customers at the heart of our business.

“Our immediate focus is to work with our suppliers to ensure that all stores are stocked for the remainder of the festive trading period.

“This will include the introduction of the full range of products from our sister company Addo, which will offer Spanish consumers excellent quality at affordable prices.”

The Entertainer has grown consistently over 35 years, and over the last five years has been expanding internationally, mainly by franchising, in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

Poly is The Entertainer’s first full acquisition in Europe, bringing its total store count to 300.