Swiss toy pioneer dies
The Swiss toy pioneer, Franz Carl Weber, has died in Zurich aged 77. He had been battling with a serious illness and passed away shortly before Christmas.
Weber ran the family's toy business of the same name with his younger brother. Over the years the Franz Carl Weber company found household fame with Swiss parents and children.
The two brothers cemented the company into a strong brand, synonymous with games, toys and teddies.
During his lifetime Weber saw the number of his company's toyshops grow to more than 50 in Switzerland, with overseas affiliates in Germany, France, Austria and the United States.
He masterminded the company's expansion, following in the footsteps of his grandfather who founded the toy empire after immigrating to Switzerland in 1881.
The company, which has headquarters in Zurich, was sold to the Denner group in 1984.
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