American Crafts Buys BoBunny Press

American Crafts announced on October 6th (Friday) that they have purchased Utah scrapbook wholesale company BoBunny Press from the family that founded it over 20 years ago.

BoBunny exhibiting at Creativeworld at Messe Frankfurt in 2015.

BoBunny Press was founded in 1996, on the eve of the scrapbooking boom, by Jan Lanoy. The Layton, Utah company grew to include Lanoy's husband Don and son Matthew over the years, and today BoBunny product lines are sold in 40 countries.

“It’s bittersweet to say goodbye to the industry, the store owners and the friends that we’ve made over the years, ” says Jan Lanoy. “But with me retiring, I wanted to make sure that crafters could continue to enjoy BoBunny for years to come. I have confidence that American Crafts will do a great job of making sure that happens.”

“The Lanoys have established a wonderful brand that resonates with crafters around the world,” says American Crafts CEO Wayne Mitchell. “They have tirelessly helped built the industry, and American Crafts is proud to continue their legacy by offering BoBunny products to the craft market.”

According to the announcement, product from BoBunny will begin shipping to retailers on November 1st from the American Crafts warehouse. Until then, retailer orders will ship from BoBunny's current warehouse. Invoices dated October 3rd or earlier should be paid to BoBunny. Invoices dated after that date should be remitted to American Crafts.

Ordering of BoBunny branded product will be available immediately through the company's sales reps, and new product will be developed under the BoBunny brand, according to American Crafts. Some of BoBunny's designers have been hired by American Crafts to continue the brand's signature look and feel under the new ownership.

This is the third acquisition this year by American Crafts, which has become known for acquiring smaller companies in recent years as it has made eight previous acquisitions and signed several high profile licensing deals as well. Earlier this year, the company first acquired Core'dinations (from its previous owner Darice) in January, and then DCWV's paper division in June.