ALGT Acquires Early Learning Centre Franchise, Expands Presence In GCC Toy Market

Toy distributor A Liusie General Trading (ALGT) has acquired the Middle East franchise operations of Early Learning Centre (ELC) from the Kamal Osman Jamjoom Group.

The deal includes 28 retail locations across the GCC and marks a significant expansion of ALGT's footprint in the region's growing children's retail sector.

"We're not simply acquiring retail locations - we're investing in the future of how families across the Gulf engage with educational play," said Laurent Lapietra of ALGT.

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The acquisition comes as the GCC children's retail market, currently valued at over $2.8 billion, is projected to grow at an annual rate of 6.2 per cent through 2028. The Gulf region's median population age of 29, combined with rising household income levels, is driving demand for quality educational toys and early learning products.

ALGT plans to overhaul ELC's operations through digital transformation, supply chain automation, and improved customer service.

The company has also entered a strategic partnership with UK-based toy retailer The Entertainer, gaining access to exclusive brands such as Addo and ELC, along with more competitive pricing structures tailored to regional consumers.

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