FTC Sues to Stop PlayPower's Takeover of Rival Playground Maker Burke

The FTC and a coalition of twelve states have sued in federal court to block Platinum Equity's PlayPower from acquiring BCI Burke, a close rival in commercial outdoor playground manufacturing. This briefing covers the agency's core allegations, the market structure cited, and the procedural posture of the case ahead of litigation in California.

• The FTC filed a federal complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California seeking a permanent injunction against PlayPower's acquisition of BCI Burke.
• Twelve state attorneys general — Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wisconsin — joined the complaint.
• The complaint alleges five companies, including PlayPower and Burke, hold 85% to 90% market share in the U.S. commercial outdoor playground equipment market.
• PlayPower already owns Miracle Recreation Equipment Company, Little Tikes Commercial and Playworld Systems from prior acquisitions.
• The Commission voted 2-0 to authorize staff to pursue the permanent injunction.

Executive summary

The Federal Trade Commission sued on October 19, 2026 to block Platinum Equity and its portfolio company PlayPower from acquiring BCI Burke, alleging the merger of two of the largest commercial outdoor playground equipment makers would raise prices and reduce…

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