Jakks Pacific Acquires Toy Maker Berk

Jakks Pacific Inc., developer and distributor of a popular line of toy action figures patterned after stars from the World Wrestling Federation, plans to announce today that it has acquired Ontario-based Berk Corp., which makes and sells foam toy mats, blocks and puzzles for children. Terms of the deal, which was finalized after six months of talks, were not disclosed. Privately held Berk, founded two decades ago, is considered the leading producer of the spongy, oversize foam toys, many of which feature globally recognized, licensed characters such as Mickey Mouse, Winnie the Pooh and Barney the dinosaur.