Ravensburger acquires a majority stake in Steiff – SGP Schneider Geiwitz advises on the transaction

Ravensburger AG has acquired a majority stake in Margarete Steiff GmbH from Steiff Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH. SGP Schneider Geiwitz assisted Ravensburger with the transaction by providing financial due diligence, tax due diligence and transaction-related advice.

Transaction strengthens two long-established brands from Baden-Württemberg

With the acquisition of a majority stake in Margarete Steiff GmbH, Ravensburger is bringing together two long-established companies with deep roots in Baden-Württemberg, each with a history stretching back more than a century and both synonymous with quality, responsibility and strong brands.

A joint statement on the transaction reads: “We are proud to welcome MARGARETE STEIFF GMBH into the Ravensburger family. Two companies, both rooted in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, and shaped by more than a century of history, are coming together through a shared belief in quality, responsibility and strong, enduring brands.”

“Steiff is one of the most renowned brands in the toy industry, characterised by a high standard of quality and a strong emotional appeal,” says Clemens Maier, CEO of Ravensburger AG. Ravensburger’s founder, Otto Maier, was inspired by the idea of developing toys for the mind, hands and heart. Steiff, with its iconic companions that have been part of childhoods around the world for generations, represents this ‘heart’ in a unique way.

Frank Rheinboldt, CEO of Margarete Steiff GmbH, emphasises: “Together with our partner Ravensburger, we are laying the foundations to further develop the Steiff brand in the long term, tap into international growth opportunities and combine our rich heritage with new impetus for the future.” Steiff will continue to operate independently from its historic base in Giengen, preserving the craftsmanship and emotional connection that have characterised the brand for generations.

The transaction opens up additional opportunities for growth and international expansion for both partners and strengthens their position in the global market for high-quality toys.

About Margarete Steiff GmbH

Margarete Steiff GmbH was founded in 1880 by Margarete Steiff and is a world-renowned manufacturer of high-quality soft toys, in particular the legendary Steiff teddy bear. With a history stretching back over a century, Steiff stands for outstanding craftsmanship, the highest quality and innovative spirit.

Every Steiff product is crafted with great care to evoke emotions and create memories that last for generations. The company remains committed to the legacy of its founder and aims to delight children and adults alike with its timeless creations.

About Ravensburger AG

Ravensburger AG is an internationally active group of companies with several renowned toy brands. Its guiding principle is: ‘Discover what really matters.’ Through its products and services, Ravensburger fosters togetherness, imparts knowledge and social skills, enables relaxation and creates lasting memories.

The company’s flagship brand, the Ravensburger Blue Triangle, is one of Europe’s leading brands for games, jigsaw puzzles and creative products, as well as for German-language children’s and young adult books. Toys bearing the Blue Triangle are sold worldwide. In addition, the international brands BRIO and ThinkFun expand the group’s portfolio.

Ravensburger has been family-owned since its foundation in 1883 and remains shaped by tradition and long-standing values to this day. In 2025, the company employed 2,579 staff and generated net turnover of 742 million euros. Ravensburger operates its own production facilities in Ravensburg (Germany) and Polička (Czech Republic).

Role of SGP Schneider Geiwitz

An interdisciplinary team from SGP Schneider Geiwitz provided comprehensive advice to Ravensburger AG in connection with the transaction. The focus was on financial due diligence, tax due diligence and advice throughout the transaction.

Close collaboration between the various specialist disciplines enabled the economic and tax framework of the transaction to be analysed and assessed in detail.

Our team:

The Financial Advisory & Transaction Support team included Arndt Geiwitz, Dr Felix Schneider, Sanja Dollinger, Philip Steinmann, Christian Bollmann, Philipp Steinmeyer, Johanna Härle and Maximilian Quass, amongst others. Tax support, including tax due diligence, was provided by Dr Johannes Günther and Alexandra Klaiber. Dirk Pahlke and Nicolas Gutbrod provided support with the acquisition initiative and the initial discussions.

Contact

Dr Felix Schneider
SGP Schneider Geiwitz GmbH
Financial Advisory
Email: Felix.Schneider@schneidergeiwitz.de