The story
The company, formerly known as Russ Berrie and Company, was named after its founder, the late Mr. Russell Berrie (1933-2002, aged 69), originated as a maker of stuffed animals, other toys and gifts.
As it transitioned into a pure play infant and juvenile company, it acquired the following companies:
Sassy, Inc. (Summer 2001)
Kids Line LLC (December 2004)
CoCaLo, Inc. and LaJobi, Inc. (April 2008)
In December 2008, the company divested its gift business operations to The Russ Companies, Inc. (TRC), previously The Encore Group. The Company retained the Russ and Applause brands, and licensed them to TRC.
To support the company’s focus on growing a leadership position in the infant and juvenile industry, on September 23, 2009, Russ Berrie received shareholder approval to change its corporate name to Kid Brands, Inc. Along with the new name, the company’s common stock began trading under the symbol NYSE: KID.
By April 2011, The Russ Companies filed for Chapter 7 Liquidation Bankruptcy and no longer exists as an entity. A number of investors purchased its inventory, including its Barbie Pets and Raggedy Ann & Andy brands.
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As of 2011, Kid Brands continued to produce mattresses and other bedding. It was reportedly unclear what would happen to Applause after the brand was licensed out.
From Wikipedia’s article on Kid Brands, shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.3