Local law firm Wilkes has announced its role in advising the shareholders of China Industries Limited, trading as WOW! Stuff, on the sale and management re-investment of the business to a Netherlands-based purchaser.

The deal marks a significant moment in the global toy industry and involved a multi-layered and cross-border transaction structure, including a complex rollover investment.

WOW! Stuff, headquartered in Wolverhampton with operations in Los Angeles and Hong Kong, is a global toy innovation business known for its work with major brands such as Disney, Marvel, Universal, Warner Bros., and its own IP, Puppetronics. Its unique product designs have received multiple Toy of the Year award nominations and wins. Wilkes has acted for WOW! Stuff for over 25 years, advising on acquisitions, sales, and investment rounds throughout the company’s growth journey.

Gareth O’Hara, senior partner at Wilkes, led the corporate legal team and was supported by solicitor Emma Richardson and solicitor Alexandra Lakeland-Reed.

Commenting on the deal, Gareth O’Hara said: “This was a strategically significant and technically complex transaction involving cross-border elements and a range of commercial instruments.

“WOW! Stuff is an exceptional business with world-class partnerships and innovation, and it’s been a privilege to support the shareholders through this next chapter.”

Richard North, co-founder and president of WOW! Stuff, said: "Wilkes were truly exceptional throughout the process. The legal due diligence, while extensive, was never elongated. Gareth, Emma and Alex were always available, always on hand to answer any questions and at any time; morning noon and night - for which I must apologise to them for!

“With this highest level of service and competence, they will continue to be our legal advisers post deal, which I think speaks of the confidence both our continuing management team and our investors have in Wilkes."

The deal reflects the growing international interest in innovative UK consumer brands and highlights the strength of Midlands-based advisers in delivering complex cross-border transactions.

Wilkes worked alongside corporate finance advisers Marktlink (Jonny Parkinson and Joe Moran), with Claritas (Ses Memhi) advising on the rollover element, and PKF Smith Cooper (Adam Rollason) advising on tax.