IMC Toys and Rubie’s have announced a joint venture between their new Italian companies–IMC Italia and Rubie’s Italia.

This joint venture follows similar arrangements as in other European markets, bringing together the product ranges and management skills of both IMC Toys and Rubie’s to form one trading base. Italy is a key growth market for both companies following a period of solid sales through established distributor networks of their various products, the companies say.

Both companies manufacture and distribute licensed product ranges for global brands such as Disney Princess, Power Rangers, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Spider-Man and Mia & Me. IMC also has its own product line, Club Petz.

Andrea Signorelli has been appointed country manager for the new operation. Signorelli was recently involved with the development of the Famosa business in Italy. Reporting to Signorelli is Paolo Sarti, sales director for Rubie’s. Sarti has worked with Rubie’s since 1998.

For the IMC business, the sales director will be Stefano Galli, who has more than 10 years of experience in the toy market in Italy, with companies such as Fantastiko, Simba Toys and Selegiochi. Further senior management appointments will be announced in the near future.

The new business is based in Caronno Pertusella (Varese), close to Milan, and will start operating shortly.