Key Stats
Revenue (2024): 74.3 billion DKK ($10.8 billion USD)
Employees: 26,700+ worldwide
Headquarters: Billund, Denmark
Ownership: Private (Kirkbi 75%, LEGO Foundation 25%)
CEO: Niels B. Christiansen (since 2017)
The LEGO Group stands as the largest toy company in the world by revenue. Founded in 1932 by Ole Kirk Christiansen, the company transformed from a small carpentry workshop into a global brand recognized across more than 130 countries.
LEGO produces interlocking plastic bricks that encourage creative play and learning. The name comes from the Danish words “leg godt,” meaning “play well.” The company remains privately owned by the Kirk Kristiansen family through their investment firm Kirkbi.
Beyond traditional brick sets, LEGO operates theme parks through Merlin Entertainments and maintains a digital presence with video games and online experiences. The company reported record revenue growth of 13% in 2024 while the broader toy industry declined.
The LEGO Group History
1932
Ole Kirk Christiansen founded the company in Billund, Denmark. He started as a carpenter making wooden toys during the Great Depression when furniture sales declined.
1934
The company adopted the name LEGO, derived from the Danish phrase “leg godt” meaning “play well.” Christiansen created the motto “only the best is the best.”
1949
LEGO produced its first plastic interlocking bricks called “Automatic Binding Bricks.” The company had begun manufacturing plastic toys in 1947 after purchasing an injection molding machine.
1958
Godtfred Kirk Christiansen patented the modern LEGO brick design on January 28. The improved interlocking system with tubes inside the brick created a more secure connection.
1968
The first LEGOLAND theme park opened in Billund, Denmark. The park attracted 625,000 visitors in its first season and became a model for future parks worldwide.
1978
LEGO introduced the first minifigures with movable arms and legs. These small yellow figures became a staple in most LEGO sets and remain popular today.
1999
LEGO launched Star Wars themed sets, marking a major expansion into licensed properties. This partnership generated significant revenue and established a template for future collaborations.
2024
The LEGO Group reported record revenue of 74.3 billion DKK with 13% growth. The company outpaced the toy industry while investing in sustainability and new product lines.
The LEGO Group Co-founders
Ole Kirk Christiansen
Danish carpenter who founded the company in 1932 in Billund, Denmark. He began making wooden toys during the Great Depression and established the LEGO name and quality standards that guide the company today.
Godtfred Kirk Christiansen
Son of Ole Kirk who developed the LEGO System of Play and patented the modern brick design in 1958. He led the transition from wooden to plastic toys and expanded the company internationally.
The LEGO Group Competitors
The LEGO Group competes against major toy manufacturers for market share in the global toy industry. LEGO holds an estimated 70% share of the construction toy market. Mattel recently launched its Brick Shop line to challenge LEGO’s dominance in the building set category.
| Company | Headquarters | Primary Products |
|---|---|---|
| Mattel | El Segundo, California | Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price |
| Hasbro | Pawtucket, Rhode Island | Transformers, Nerf, Play-Doh |
| Bandai Namco | Tokyo, Japan | Action figures, model kits, video games |
| Spin Master | Toronto, Canada | Paw Patrol, Hatchimals, puzzles |
| MGA Entertainment | Los Angeles, California | L.O.L. Surprise, Bratz, Little Tikes |
| Mega Construx | El Segundo, California | Building sets, licensed properties |
| Playmobil | Zirndorf, Germany | Playsets, figures, themed collections |
| Cobi | Mielec, Poland | Military and historical building sets |
| Nintendo | Kyoto, Japan | Video games, consoles, entertainment |
| Jakks Pacific | Santa Monica, California | Licensed toys, action figures |
The LEGO Group Revenue
The LEGO Group generated 74.3 billion Danish kroner ($10.8 billion USD) in revenue during 2024. This represented a 13% increase from the previous year and marked a record performance for the company.
Consumer sales grew 12% in 2024 while the broader toy market declined by 0.6%. The company gained market share across all regions and delivered its largest product portfolio with 840 sets.
The LEGO Group Valuation
The LEGO Group operates as a private company owned by the Kirk Kristiansen family through Kirkbi A/S. Unlike public companies, LEGO does not have a stock market valuation or tradable shares.
Kirkbi A/S reported total assets of approximately $23.5 billion in 2024. The Kirk Kristiansen family holds a combined net worth of nearly $25 billion according to recent estimates. The family’s wealth primarily derives from their 75% stake in the LEGO Group.
The LEGO Group Acquisitions
The LEGO Group has pursued a selective acquisition strategy focused on strengthening its connection with fans and expanding brand experiences. The company historically grew through organic development rather than acquisitions, but recent purchases signal a shift in approach.
In November 2019, LEGO acquired BrickLink for an undisclosed amount. BrickLink operates as the largest online marketplace for LEGO products with more than one million members and 10,000 stores across 70 countries. The platform allows adult fans to buy, sell, and trade bricks and sets. LEGO also acquired Sohobricks as part of the deal, though that operation closed in 2020.
The Kirk Kristiansen family, through Kirkbi, participated in the 2019 privatization of Merlin Entertainments for £4.8 billion ($7.6 billion). This deal saw Kirkbi increase its stake in Merlin from 30% to approximately 50%. Merlin operates all LEGOLAND theme parks and Discovery Centres worldwide. The transaction returned control of LEGO-branded attractions to the family after Merlin purchased the theme parks from LEGO in 2005 for £250 million.
In September 2025, The LEGO Group announced an agreement to acquire 29 LEGO Discovery Centres and LEGOLAND Discovery Centres from Merlin Entertainments. These centers attract approximately five million visitors annually across nine countries. The acquisition brings these branded retail and experience locations directly under LEGO Group control. The first Discovery Centre opened in Berlin in 2007.
LEGO’s approach to partnerships extends beyond traditional acquisitions. The company maintains licensing agreements with major entertainment properties including Star Wars, Harry Potter, Marvel, and DC. In 2023, LEGO partnered with Epic Games to launch LEGO Fortnite, a video game that attracted 2.4 million concurrent players at launch.
FAQs
Who founded The LEGO Group?
Ole Kirk Christiansen founded The LEGO Group in 1932 in Billund, Denmark. He started as a carpenter making wooden toys and named the company from the Danish words “leg godt” meaning “play well.”
Is The LEGO Group a public company?
No, The LEGO Group is a private company. Kirkbi A/S, the Kirk Kristiansen family investment firm, owns 75% while the LEGO Foundation owns the remaining 25%. There are no publicly traded shares.
What is The LEGO Group revenue?
The LEGO Group reported revenue of 74.3 billion Danish kroner ($10.8 billion USD) in 2024. This represented a 13% increase from the previous year and marked record performance.
Where is The LEGO Group headquarters located?
The LEGO Group is headquartered in Billund, Denmark. The company was founded there in 1932 and maintains its main operations, including the original factory site, in this small Danish town.
How many employees work at The LEGO Group?
The LEGO Group employs more than 26,700 people worldwide as of 2024. The company operates factories in Denmark, Hungary, Mexico, China, Czech Republic, and Vietnam with offices across multiple continents.