Company Story
1945 - Ruth and Elliot Handler, along with Harold Matson, founded Mattel Creations in a small garage workshop in Los Angeles, California.
1947 - Mattel introduced its first product, a picture frame, which was a moderate success.
1955 - Mattel introduced its first toy, the 'Uke-A-Doodle', a ukulele-like toy that was a huge success.
1959 - Barbie, the iconic fashion doll, was launched at the American International Toy Fair in New York City.
1961 - Mattel went public with an initial public offering (IPO) of stock.
1963 - Hot Wheels, the popular die-cast car brand, was introduced.
1970 - Mattel acquired the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.
1984 - Mattel acquired the International Games division of Milton Bradley.
1991 - Mattel acquired Fisher-Price, a leading manufacturer of preschool toys.
1997 - Mattel acquired Tyco Toys, a leading manufacturer of toy trains and other toys.
2000 - Mattel acquired The Learning Company, a leading educational software company.
2012 - Mattel acquired HIT Entertainment, a leading producer of children's entertainment.
2016 - Mattel acquired Mega Bloks, a leading manufacturer of construction toys.