Florida-based Jazwares is looking to expand its operations down under and has purchased Aussie toy distributor Big Balloon for an undisclosed amount. 

Following the completion of the sale this week, Big Balloon will be rebranded as Jazwares Australia, with its co-founder Chris Loverso set up as managing director and tasked with using his extensive network of domestic retail relationships to strengthen Jazwares’ position in retail. 

The business relationship between Jazwares and Big Balloon goes back eight years—the distributor has been keeping shelves across Australia stocked with Jazwares’ ranges of Pokémon, CoComelon and Cabbage Patch Kids products since 2015. 

Big Balloon is also the regional distributor for other major toycos including Hasbro (Peppa Pig, Spidey and his Amazing Friends) and Pennsylvania-based putty-maker Crazy Aaron’s. Post-acquisition, Jazwares Australia will continue to provide these services to new and existing third-party clients.