Toronto, Canada-based toyco Spin Master has moved into Mexico, setting up a new office in the territory to expand its global reach.

Heading up the new operations will be Gerardo Yepez as president and GM of Spin Master Mexico. Yepez comes from Mega Brands, where he served as president of toys and also previously founded toy distribution company Mercasistemas, which was acquired by Mega Brands and became Mega Bloks LatinoAmerica. He also ran a sporting goods manufacturing and distribution company in Mexico that introduced Wilson Sporting Goods to the local market.

Spin Master Mexico expects to be operational during the first half of this year and will lead off with Bakugan Battle Brawlers later in the year. (The corresponding series is slated to air on Televisa.) Direct distribution of its other brands, including Air Hogs, Aquadoodle, Tech Deck and Moon Sand, will follow.