Toys R Us and Babies R Us seal deal to buy 13 Toy Zone stores in Gauteng

TOYS R Us and Babies R Us South Africa has sealed a landmark deal to acquire 13 Toy Zone stores in Gauteng and Durban.

- PHILIPPA LARKIN

The move will retain jobs, expanding its national footprint to 61 Toys R Us and Babies R Us outlets, and accelerating growth in both the toy and baby goods categories.

The transaction was approved this week by the Competition Commission.

The Toys R Us and Babies R Us brands in South Africa is privately owned by Michmir Investments, which operates locally through Amic Trading under licence from Toys R Us Global.

Dr Phumla Mnganga, the chairperson of Toys R Us South Africa, said, "This acquisition is a milestone for Toys R Us and Babies R Us South Africa, giving us an even stronger platform to grow our share of both the toy and baby goods markets.

Mnganga said by expanding Toys R Us national footprint to 61 stores, the firm was not only securing its leadership position in the sector, but also unlocking new opportunities for families across the country to access the very best in play and parenting products.