November 7, 2026 – Gladstone Investment Corporation has acquired a majority stake in McFarlane Toys, the collectibles company founded by comic book creator Todd McFarlane in 1994. The transaction was announced November 6, 2026. Financial terms were not disclosed.
McFarlane and company CEO Stephan Tetrault will remain meaningful shareholders and continue to help guide the company’s strategy and growth. Gladstone provided debt and equity financing for the acquisition.
McFarlane Toys began with action figures based on Spawn and developed into a major producer of licensed action figures and statues spanning comics, movies, television, video games, anime and sports. The company is known for its detailed sculpts and strong appeal to collectors.
According to Gladstone, the investment is intended to support new products, additional collectible categories, licensing partnerships and expansion in domestic and international markets.
“When I started McFarlane Toys, the goal was to give fans and collectors products with a level of detail and creativity that stood apart,” McFarlane said in the announcement. He said that commitment remains central to the business.
Tetrault described the partnership as an opportunity to accelerate growth, expand the company’s global reach and diversify its products.
The deal marks a major ownership change for a company closely associated with its founder’s creative vision. However, it does not mean McFarlane is stepping away. The announced acquisition concerns McFarlane Toys, not Image Comics or the Spawn comic book publishing operation.
Whether new majority ownership will eventually affect the company’s product choices or pricing remains to be seen. For now, Gladstone and McFarlane Toys are emphasizing continuity and growth.
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