HUNTERSVILLE – October 27, 2026 -- PlayPower and BCI Burke terminated their merger agreement, abandoning a deal announced on February 13, 2026, one week after the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and certain states sued to block it.
The FTC and the states filed the lawsuit on October 19, 2026. They sought a permanent injunction against the acquisition.
PlayPower says litigation costs outweigh the deal's value
PlayPower CEO Bryan Yeazel said the time and expense of protracted litigation are better spent on the two companies' separate businesses. He said PlayPower believes the combination would have protected American jobs and benefited families, workers and communities. He added that the company was confident it would have prevailed in court.
Companies put combined market share below 30%
Yeazel said the FTC and state allegations reflect a "fundamental misunderstanding" of a highly fragmented industry. According to PlayPower, the merged company would have held less than 30% of the market. It would have operated multiple differentiated brands in a landscape increasingly shaped by global competition.
BCI Burke President and CEO Mike Phelan said he was disappointed the FTC challenged the merger. He thanked employees, customers and partners for their support during the process.
Both manufacturers remain independent
PlayPower and BCI Burke will continue to operate independently. PlayPower, based in Huntersville, North Carolina, employs about 1,500 people in the United States. It runs manufacturing and distribution facilities across North America and Europe. BCI Burke, based in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, makes commercial playground equipment, outdoor fitness products and site amenities for parks, schools, childcare facilities and apartment communities.