Round 2 purchased by investment firm

Well Tim, you're really posting a lot lately. Nice to see you back more often.

I can't see how this is a good thing.

modelcrazy

Well Tim, you're really posting a lot lately. Nice to see you back more often.

 

Hi Steve,

I'm around, just shooting a lot of video and editing stories. Gotta keep the flow of content going. When I have the chance, I'll swing by and say hi.

Hi!

TK

fotofrank

I can't see how this is a good thing.

 

Of course, this is a developing story, so rather than speculate on what it means, we'll report back as soon as we know more. 

As always, a wiser course.

Thanks Tim! We appreciate your efforts.

Jim 

Stay Safe.

fotofrank

I can't see how this is a good thing.

 

Hopefully not the same investment firm that had GameStop... 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obAoPP1bdIM&ab_channel=Unrealdeal1337

fotofrank

I can't see how this is a good thing.

 

Ya, often these moves are the beginning of the end. But now and then that is not the case in some industries. In modeling, investment firms need to be modelers too or they have no heart in it. So, well, we shall see.

DITTO ! ! Bill;

I think it is fair that people are wary of this news. Maybe it will be a good thing. But,  too often 'investment group' actually means a wake of vultures who will milk every penny they can out of something they buy, without a care for the businesses' future. Then they disappear into the night, leaving things in shambles. 

Round 2 appears to be mostly automotive kits/ licenses. This acquisition was not for Star Wars or Gundum stuff so hopefully they will continue with re-popping classic kits/ subjects or maybe even doing some new tooling for neglected subjects that there's a market for? I'll try to remain hopeful that this is good news....

One more thing for people to panic about.

Hi everyone,

We recieved a press release from Round 2 today. It confirms what we new from the earlier report, that Praesidian Capital from Larchmont, New York, acquired controlling interest (51%) in Round 2.

Tom Lowe, Round 2 president and founder, says in the press release that Praesidian "brings significant resources" to help scale the business "organically and through acquisitions." Currently, no staff changes are in the works and Round 2 will remain in Southbend, Indiana.

"Our customers can be assured that it is business as usual at Round 2, with lots of continued growth to come,” Lowe says in the press release.

Jason Drattell, Praesidian Founder, says the investment firm recognized Round 2 as a "market leader in the collectibles space" and will support the management team as the company "continues to expand its product offerings.” 

Glenn Harrison, a Praesidian Capital partner says they see a "significant consolidation opportunity within the highly fragmented collectibles space." 

While modelers may not be used to hearing the scale model hobby spoken of in stark terms as "collectibles space," the scale modeling hobby does occupy an interesting spot that spans collectibles, toys, and games, and encompasses many genres, from military vehicles and harware to science-fiction and fantasy, to civilian cars and trucks, and much in between. We have reached out to Round 2 for comment and will report back when we have more.

Thanks,

TK

nearsightedjohn

Round 2 appears to be mostly automotive kits/ licenses. This acquisition was not for Star Wars or Gundum stuff so hopefully they will continue with re-popping classic kits/ subjects or maybe even doing some new tooling for neglected subjects that there's a market for? I'll try to remain hopeful that this is good news....

 

Star Wars and Gundam models are currently made by Bandai, a completely different company. 
Star Trek on the other hand was done by AMT, one of the lines that Round 2 covered. MPC did the Star Wars original trilogy models, and AMT did the prequel trilogy kits, but those molds are now likely tied up in licensing issues.

If they start selling belt buckles, hawaiian shirts, and repro military badges, I will be concerned.  Hopefully they can acquire and develop some new and exciting licenses rather than just gobbling up smaller competitors and popping their stuff out as new product.

stikpusher

 

 Star Wars and Gundam models are currently made by Bandai, a completely different company. 

Star Trek on the other hand was done by AMT, one of the lines that Round 2 covered. MPC did the Star Wars original trilogy models, and AMT did the prequel trilogy kits, but those molds are now likely tied up in licensing issues.

 

Actually, Round 2 will start producing Star Wars kits this year. Bandai seems to have let the license lapse--though we're trying to find out if that's just for the U.S. or for all markets. We're working on the Round 2 story and hope to have it posted in the next couple of hours. But according to our sources, Round 2 will do a mixture of both repopping old Star Wars kits and producing entirely new ones.

TK

Tim Kidwell

 

 

stikpusher

 

 Star Wars and Gundam models are currently made by Bandai, a completely different company. 

Star Trek on the other hand was done by AMT, one of the lines that Round 2 covered. MPC did the Star Wars original trilogy models, and AMT did the prequel trilogy kits, but those molds are now likely tied up in licensing issues.

 

 

 

 

Actually, Round 2 will start producing Star Wars kits this year. Bandai seems to have let the license lapse--though we're trying to find out if that's just for the U.S. or for all markets. We're working on the Round 2 story and hope to have it posted in the next couple of hours. But according to our sources, Round 2 will do a mixture of both repopping old Star Wars kits and producing entirely new ones.

TK

 

Nothing that I've seen by Round 2 has the fit or detail of the Bandai Star Wars kits. That will be a true shame to lose the Bandai line beyond what's already out there. Snap together or not, they are very impressive in quality.

stikpusher

Nothing that I've seen by Round 2 has the fit or detail of the Bandai Star Wars kits. That will be a true shame to lose the Bandai line beyond what's already out there. Snap together or not, they are very impressive in quality.

 

I love the Bandai kits. Wonderfully detailed and super well-engineered. In fact, I'm working on a video for FineScale modifying a Bandai TIE fighter. That should roll out in a few weeks time.

To be sure, Round 2 will definitely have big shoes to fill following Bandai and FineMolds. However, I don't necessarily think, in this case, that past is prologue. But time will tell.

One option might be to utilize the existing Bandai tools--not an unheard of arrangement these days. Much depends on what is allowed by the license with Disney, and how that looks regarding the existing SW deal with Revell, which has announced a Razor Back for later 2021. Of course, the details will emerge and we'll make sure to keep asking. Myself, I'm excited by the prospects of this venture and look forward to seeing new kits, and possibly having the chance to build SW kits that I had as a kid. 

UPDATE: Just got word that Round 2 can pull from all across the SW franchise. That's a BIG deal.

TK

Here's the link to the newsstory on FineScale.com.

TK

I'm always cautious of investment firms' intentions when taking over any model company. Sure, they all say nothing will change. Only time will tell... 

When I hit the ny toy fair first place to go to was round 2 and talk to Mr Lowe I would beg him to make a four door curbside early 70s Plymouth fury cop car.maybe it should try again with new owners.we need new kits enough with recycles

Many of these "recycles" havent seen the light of day since the 60's and 70's.

fudbfu

When I hit the ny toy fair first place to go to was round 2 and talk to Mr Lowe I would beg him to make a four door curbside early 70s Plymouth fury cop car.maybe it should try again with new owners.we need new kits enough with recycles 

And what was his reply?

I would be very surprised if Round2 would get involved in developing new kits.  As far as I know, they repop existing kits only.  Development and design is an additional cost.

the Baron

 

 

fudbfu

When I hit the ny toy fair first place to go to was round 2 and talk to Mr Lowe I would beg him to make a four door curbside early 70s Plymouth fury cop car.maybe it should try again with new owners.we need new kits enough with recycles 

 

 

 

And what was his reply?

I would be very surprised if Round2 would get involved in developing new kits.  As far as I know, they repop existing kits only.  Development and design is an additional cost.

 

True.  Even the new kit mfgs that are popping up in abundance seem to be doing guaranteed sellers.  I hope they get on a stable footing and venture into more special interest subjects.  I would love it if the new Williams Bros owners would offer some new engines in 1:8 scale.  The market cries out for an R2800.  Wouldn't that be awesome in 1:8?  But I know that WB now is just repopping old molds.  How about Atlantis- I know right now they just repop- but they seem to be selling well, so maybe they could raise the capital to try a new subject.

MJames70

The info on Round 2 is not correct - they have done some new kits along with reissues. And the reissues frequently have had corrections to the mold, when possible, as well as new decals. Several kits in the Star Trek lineup like the Galileo shuttle are totally new, not the old AMT kit. And the large Space:1999 Eagles, for example.