AG Sunday’s Antitrust Team Acts to Prevent Sale of Playground Manufacturer that Would Increase Costs for Taxpayer-Funded School and Park Projects

HARRISBURG — Attorney General Dave Sunday announced that Pennsylvania has joined the Federal Trade Commission and a coalition of states opposing a proposed acquisition involving two major playground equipment manufacturers that would harm the public by raising prices and limiting market competition.

PlayPower (owned by Platinum Equity) plans to purchase BCI Burke Company, a transaction that would narrow options for purchasers of commercial outdoor playground equipment.

Schools, churches, and parks and recreation departments are common customers for those products, with many purchases being funded by taxpayer dollars.

The coalition has filed suit opposing the transaction and is requesting an injunction that would stop the sale.

“This transaction would eliminate yet another major competitor for PlayPower and likely increase costs for playground projects that already require significant taxpayers funds,” Attorney General Sunday said. “When market options shrink, customers are almost always on the losing end.”

PlayPower has previously bought out three other major competitors since 1993, in Miracle, Little Tikes, and Playworld.

This transaction, according to the coalition’s filing, would strain public budgets for parks and related community programs that support children and families. The transaction would also lessen incentives for PlayPower to produce top-quality products and continue product innovation.

The complaint is HERE.

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