Mattel To Launch Play Clubs at Chinese Club Meds

EL SEGUNDO, CA — El Segundo-based toymaker Mattel Inc. announced Wednesday it has signed an agreement with China's Fosun Group, operator of Club Med in the People's Republic, to form a joint venture that would create play clubs across the vast Asian country.

"The purpose of the joint venture is to introduce a network of one-of-a- kind learning and play clubs for children and families across China, pairing Mattel's expertise in childhood learning and development through play with Fosun's experience in delivering world-class experiences in China through its Club Med subsidiary," Mattel said in a statement.

Mattel will contribute to the design of a custom development program that leverages its expertise in learning and development, according to the statement. The aim is to incorporate hands-on play experiences as part of the educational services offered at the clubs.

Club Med will apply its expertise in operating kids' clubs — including event design, process creation and training — to help these clubs become unique destinations for modern families, the statement said. The deal is subject to Chinese regulatory approval.

— City News Service, photo courtesy of Mattel