Authentic’s interest comes as activist investor Ariel Investments, which owns 5.4% of Mattel, pushes the company to explore strategic alternatives, arguing its shares remain undervalued.
For Mowbray, a bid would represent a dramatic escalation in ambition for Zuru, the Hong Kong-based company he founded with siblings Mat and Anna.
The business expects to generate about $6.5b in revenue this year and has become a global toy powerhouse through products such as Robo Fish and Bunch O Balloons.
From a modest start, funded by a $20,000 loan from their parents, the Mowbrays have built one of New Zealand’s most successful privately owned international businesses.
Nick Mowbray did not immediately respond to questions on the DataRoom report or his thoughts on Mattel as a business.
The prospect of a Zuru-Mattel tie-up would rank among the most significant corporate moves attempted by a New Zealand entrepreneur.
Graeme Hart’s takeover of Graham Packaging, which he merged into Reynolds Group Holdings alongside beverage carton maker Evergreen Packaging, Swiss carton maker Sig Holdings and his previously acquired consumer packaging business Pactiv, would be the only comparable deal.
Mattel shares, listed on the Nasdaq, last traded at US$15.93, valuing the company at US$4.33b.
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