Confirmed: Lionel and Round 2 to Merge into New “Lionel Brands Group”
What’s Happening? Following days of intense online speculation and rumors within the diecast community, Lionel, LLC has officially confirmed that it…
Round 2 has officially closed on its purchase of Lionel LLC, including its Lionel Racing brand. Here’s everything you need to know about the sale and what’s to come of the new Lionel Brands Group.
In late February, there were many rumors making the rounds that Round 2, known for producing brands like Johnny Lightning and Racing Champions, was looking to acquire Lionel and its line of brands.
On February 20, Lionel disclosed to the Daily Downforce that Round 2 did intend to purchase the company, though the transaction was still incomplete.
What’s Happening? Following days of intense online speculation and rumors within the diecast community, Lionel, LLC has officially confirmed that it…
Per a Wednesday morning press release, the acquisition is officially completed, with Round 2 closing the deal for Lionel on March 2, and merging into the newly named Lionel Brands Group. This means that the combined force of Round 2 and Lionel has created a portfolio including in-house and licensed brands like:
While Lionel Brands Group is its own entity, it is a subsidiary of Praesidian Capital, a private equity firm based in Larchmont, New York.
As of press time, there seems to be no plans to make major overhauls to anything related to the brands, beyond the new name.
In February, regarding their then-pending acquisition by Round 2, Lionel told the Daily Downforce, “In the near term, it remains business as usual. Our priority is maintaining continuity and supporting the programs already underway.”
Specifically for NASCAR fans, while it is worth noting that the Racing Champions (a former staple of the NASCAR diecast landscape) and NASCAR licenses are under the same banner, things are going on as planned, as Lionel Racing recently announced the first 2026 Wave of NASCAR Authentics diecast.
For now, the brand’s new website has yet to have any hints towards future plans, though the site promises that there is more to come.
What’s Happening? Lionel Racing finally confirmed the first wave of 2026 NASCAR Authentics 1:64 scale diecast for Monday morning, with the…
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