Fillpoint Acquires Publisher Crave, SVG

Publisher Crave Entertainment (Baby Pals) and its distribution partner SVG have been acquired by online distribution company Fillpoint, who purchased them from their parent company, Handleman. Newport Beach-based Crave calls itself a "specialty publisher"; founded in 1997, it's known for the Pinball Hall of Fame series. SVG runs its distribution operations out of Indianapolis, and with the new deal both publishers will continue operating under their existing names and out of their existing headquarters. Fillpoint works with national retailers to provide online sales where their physical stores face shelf space constraints. The company says this acquisition provides it an online and in-store distribution network to broaden its offerings. Crave says it will continue working on its 2009 slate of budget titles, which includes Crayola Colorful Journey, a next-gen Pinball Hall of Fame: Williams Collection, and Monster Mayhem: Build & Battle. "With the added capabilities, distribution network and support of Fillpoint, we're anticipating a very successful year." says Crave strategic development VP Dave Burchi. "We're excited about the new opportunities introduced by this acquisition, and we will immediately begin working to strengthen and expand the core SVG and Crave Entertainment Group businesses," says Fillpoint president and CEO Glenn Rockwood.