Private equity firm Brightstar Capital has taken control of Bendon Publishing International, the Ohio‑based designer of licensed children’s coloring and activity books. Founder‑CEO Ben Ferguson remains in charge, retaining a meaningful equity stake with his senior team. Bendon’s titles appear at Walmart, Target, Costco, Dollar Tree and Amazon, giving the buyer a retail footprint. Deal value was not disclosed, though sources estimate a mid‑hundred‑million price.

The deal follows a decade of steady growth for Bendon, which was founded in 2001 and has built a portfolio of licensed titles across major entertainment franchises. By integrating the business into Brightstar’s existing consumer‑product platform, investors anticipate cost synergies and expanded distribution channels, especially in the fast‑moving consumer goods segment. The brand’s partnership with major entertainment licensors drives repeat shelf space.

Retaining Ferguson’s leadership ensures continuity for customers and suppliers while Brightstar provides capital to accelerate product development and digital initiatives. Analysts see the transaction as a modest‑size buyout that consolidates a fragmented niche market, potentially setting a benchmark for future private‑equity interest in children’s educational media. The acquisition closes the gap between creation and large‑scale retail execution.