The LEGO Group has recently released its annual report and from its press release, their global LEGO sales went up 15% for the first half of 2014. One of the most significant drivers this year would be The LEGO Movie. With high ratings for the movie and good sales for the LEGO Movie sets, its no doubt that this pushed it to become the world’s largest toy maker.
Last year back in 2013 around the same time, LEGO became the second largest toy maker pushing Hasbro to number 3. Key growths from last year included LEGO Friends and LEGO Legends of Chima. This year, LEGO has finally claimed the spot for being the largest toy company in the world in terms of sales. Besides The LEGO Movie, other product lines such as LEGO City, Creator, Technic and Star Wars continue to have strong growth.
Back in 2004, LEGO was at the brink of a complete financial downfall. Shown below is CEO Jørgen Vig Knudstorp. Ever since he took up the position as CEO back in 2004 from Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen (the grandson of the original LEGO founder), LEGO was able to pull itself back up and had increases in revenue each year.
