Universal Names Despicable Me 2 Toy Partner

Thinkway Toys will develop a wide variety of toys featuring the Minions and other key characters including interactive toys, figures, plush, dolls, play sets, vehicles, role play and novelty items. Products will be available on shelves in summer 2013.

“Gru and the Minions made Despicable Me a tent-pole franchise for Universal and we know Thinkway’s innovation, reputation and global reach make them the best partner for us to bring the Minions to life through toys,” says Stephanie Sperber, president, Universal Partnerships & Licensing. "The Thinkway team is made up of creative, out of the box thinkers who will include technology that the consumer has never seen before."

“Our team is ecstatic to create an all new line of toys for Despicable Me 2," says Albert Chan, chief executive officer of Thinkway. "The characters are endearing, filled with humor and adventure and we can’t wait to include these elements into the toy line.”