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DailyDownForce.com claiming that Lionel to be acquired by Round 2, a portfolio company of Praesidian Capital
Posted: Sat Feb 21, 2026 10:10 am
by Chris Webster
Just passing this along - I don't know anything about the website it is posted on:
Following days of intense online speculation and rumors within the diecast community, Lionel, LLC has officially confirmed that it is set to be acquired by Round 2, a portfolio company of Praesidian Capital.
The two giants of the hobby and collectibles industry will eventually merge to form a new entity known as the Lionel Brands Group.
The Daily Downforce reached out to Lionel, and they confirmed Round 2’s intent to purchase the company, noting that the transaction is expected to progress over the coming weeks. The move signals a major shift in the landscape of NASCAR merchandising and diecast production, bringing together two of the most recognizable names in the business.
Full article -
Confirmed: Lionel and Round 2 to Merge into New “Lionel Brands Group” February 20, 2026This news doesn't appear to have been posted to NK yet.
Re: DailyDownForce.com claiming that Lionel to be acquired by Round 2, a portfolio company of Praesidian Capital
Posted: Sat Feb 21, 2026 10:28 am
by healey36
There have been reports for nearly a week now, including info passed along from the New York Toy Show. Looks to be a done deal. What does it mean...well, maybe the era of $1800-$2500 3-rail locomotives is over and a return to an MPC-era business model emerges (ironically, the MPC brand is one of the holdings of Round 2).
The king is dead, long live the king.
Re: DailyDownForce.com claiming that Lionel to be acquired by Round 2, a portfolio company of Praesidian Capital
Posted: Sun Feb 22, 2026 12:42 am
by webenda
Praesidian’s Ownership Stake in Round 2
Praesidian Capital acquired a controlling interest of 51% in Round 2 in 2021.https://www.bing.com/search?pglt=299&q= ... A1&PC=HCTSThis could be good news, but how often do holding companies “Suck the Acquisition Dry” and abandon it?
https://www.bing.com/search?pglt=299&q= ... A1&PC=HCTS
Re: DailyDownForce.com claiming that Lionel to be acquired by Round 2, a portfolio company of Praesidian Capital
Posted: Sun Feb 22, 2026 8:55 am
by Rufus T. Firefly
healey36 wrote:The king is dead, long live the king.
Meh.
Re: DailyDownForce.com claiming that Lionel to be acquired by Round 2, a portfolio company of Praesidian Capital
Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2026 7:40 am
by healey36
If Lionel’s NASCAR diecast business was truly the target, then maybe the toy train business is headed for a spin-off. It wouldn’t seem a stretch to think a sale of the brand to the Chinese manufacturers could be in the cards.
Re: DailyDownForce.com claiming that Lionel to be acquired by Round 2, a portfolio company of Praesidian Capital
Posted: Wed Mar 04, 2026 2:52 pm
by healey36
Re: DailyDownForce.com claiming that Lionel to be acquired by Round 2, a portfolio company of Praesidian Capital
Posted: Wed Mar 04, 2026 5:02 pm
by HONDO74
Richard Barry, CEO of Lionel Brands Group
Howard Hitchcock, President and Chief Operating Officer of Lionel Brands Group
Praesidian Capital hired. Richard Barry, Former Toys “R” Us Executive
On September 18, 2017, Toys "R" Us, Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
So what happened to Thomas E. Lowe who owned Round 2
Re: DailyDownForce.com claiming that Lionel to be acquired by Round 2, a portfolio company of Praesidian Capital
Posted: Wed Mar 04, 2026 8:49 pm
by healey36
He was still part of the organization after the reorg in 2023. Maybe he took the money and ran after this transaction.
Re: DailyDownForce.com claiming that Lionel to be acquired by Round 2, a portfolio company of Praesidian Capital
Posted: Thu Mar 05, 2026 9:40 am
by Rufus T. Firefly
HONDO74 wrote:So what happened to Thomas E. Lowe who owned Round 2
Thomas Lowe is the President at Pumpkin Patch based in Portland, Oregon.
Previously, Thomas was the President at Round 2 and also held positions at Playing Mantis.
Re: DailyDownForce.com claiming that Lionel to be acquired by Round 2, a portfolio company of Praesidian Capital
Posted: Thu Mar 05, 2026 11:41 am
by healey36
Sounds like he went home to the family farm...can't say I blame him.
Re: DailyDownForce.com claiming that Lionel to be acquired by Round 2, a portfolio company of Praesidian Capital
Posted: Thu Mar 05, 2026 4:14 pm
by Rufus T. Firefly
healey36 wrote:Sounds like he went home to the family farm...can't say I blame him.
Apparently in 2024, too.
Re: DailyDownForce.com claiming that Lionel to be acquired by Round 2, a portfolio company of Praesidian Capital
Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2026 2:11 pm
by healey36
Re: DailyDownForce.com claiming that Lionel to be acquired by Round 2, a portfolio company of Praesidian Capital
Posted: Tue Mar 24, 2026 12:51 am
by HONDO74
This is interesting.....
The combined company intends to capitalize on continued consumer demand for nostalgic, collectible, and enthusiast-driven products, supported by strong brand equity and loyal customer bases, and (a growing direct-to-consumer presence.)
Re: DailyDownForce.com claiming that Lionel to be acquired by Round 2, a portfolio company of Praesidian Capital
Posted: Tue Mar 24, 2026 1:53 pm
by G3750
HONDO74 wrote:This is interesting.....
The combined company intends to capitalize on continued consumer demand for nostalgic, collectible, and enthusiast-driven products, supported by strong brand equity and loyal customer bases, and (a growing direct-to-consumer presence.)
Yes, could we see the end of the byzantine Lionel dealer / distributor network?
George