Educational toy company Artiwood has been taken over by Garry Smith and Andrew McGregor―former owner John Daniels will remain involved with the business for at least another year.
The decision to acquire Artiwood represents a life-changing sea change for both Smith and McGregor, who currently operate a successful wholesale business in Sydney called Gazena Australia, which supplies a range of quality educational products.
“Garry and I searched for the right acquisition for more than three years,” explains McGregor. “We’d almost given up hope when we came across Artiwood. We fell in love with the business, its products and John’s generous spirit from the moment we were introduced.”
The company has doubled in size over the last two years as it added new global brands and more than 400 new eco-friendly toys and products to its range including popular US brand Apple Park and Indigo Jamm from the UK.
“Rapid growth always brings a host of fresh challenges,” says Daniels. “As a result, I began searching for business partners with a passion for sustainability whose marketing and commercial experience would complement my own. After a several false starts I was introduced to Garry and Andrew.
“At the time they were also seeking a partner to help grow their own business. As we talked, we discovered that we shared the same eco-friendly vision. We ultimately decided to join forces and take the Artiwood business forward together.”
With the new structure, Daniels will focus on expanding Artiwood’s offering in 2016, while Smith and McGregor will take over the day-today management. The company’s head office will relocate to Sydney, while its warehouse will continue to be based in Brisbane.
“I’d like to thank Artiwood’s loyal customers for their support over the last decade. Our phenomenal growth reflects the trust they’ve placed in us. I’m excited about the future of Artiwood as we bring new partners on board,” says Daniels.
Artiwood will be exhibiting at the Melbourne Home & Giving Fair in August.
