Russ Berrie News

The Kaplen JCC on the Palisades officially completed the third phase of a major renovation Jan.

Kid Brands, Inc. announced that Fritz Hirsch, the President of its Sassy, Inc. subsidiary, will be leaving Sassy to pursue other interests, effective December 31, 2009.

Wayne, N.J. Kid Brands Inc., formerly Russ Berrie and Company, has hired David Sabin as president of Kids Line, a subsidiary of Kid Brands, Inc., effective Jan.

Metal distributor Russel Metals Inc. has arranged a $175-million syndicated debt financing, which will be used to run its business and potentially for acquisitions.

Russ Berrie and Co. intends to change its corporate name to Kid Brands Inc., subject to shareholder approval later this month, in a move that follows the company's exit from the gift business at the end of 2008.

Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. promoted Paula Guiliano to senior director of marketing for the Chicago Gift & Home Industry, effective immediately.

Wayne, NJ Russ Berrie and Company , the infant and juvenile company which sold off its gift segment in December 2008, reported a drop in second quarter net sales of 3.6 percent to $60 million, compared to $62.2 million for the prior year period.

This is an interesting potential play. Russ Berrie and Company, Inc.'s Infant & Juvenile Group is composed of four wholly-owned subsidiaries: Kids Line, LLC; Sassy, Inc.; LaJobi, Inc.; and CoCaLo.

This is an interesting potential play. Russ Berrie and Company, Inc.'s Infant & Juvenile Group is composed of four wholly-owned subsidiaries: Kids Line, LLC; Sassy, Inc.; LaJobi, Inc.; and CoCaLo.