Maclaren buys carrier maker Theodore Bean
By Staff -- Kids Today, 10/1/2004
South Norwalk, Conn. — Stroller and gear company Maclaren USA has bought the intellectual properties and assets of Theodore Bean, a division of Motion Imports. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Temecula, Calif.-based Theodore Bean is known for its line of infant and toddler carriers and its Mom-to-be Maternity seatbelt positioning device, both of which Maclaren will continue to market. Under the deal, the company's lower-priced carriers will continue to be sold under the Theodore Bean name. The higher-end carriers, including the leather and collection series, will be re-branded as Maclaren.
Theodore Bean's lower-price carriers retail around $49, and its more expensive carriers retail at $99 and $199. Maclaren's existing carrier, which retails for $69, will continue to be sold and branded as Maclaren.
"We've worked with Theodore Bean for several years on the development of the Maclaren baby carrier and learned that we shared similar view on high quality, safety and design," said Bahman Kia, president of Maclaren USA. "We will continue marketing our Maclaren baby carrier, but the Theodore Bean brand allows us to expand distribution at different price points and gives us access to their other premium products as well."
The buyout will not affect Theodore Bean employees nor will there be a change in manufacturing sites. No decisions have been made on new distribution channels or changes to existing channels.
