# FTC and States Challenge Playground Merger

On October 19, 2026, the Federal Trade Commission and a bipartisan coalition of 12 state attorneys general sued to block PlayPower’s proposed acquisition of BCI Burke, seeking an injunction. The plaintiffs allege the transaction would reduce competition in commercial playground equipment and could lead to higher prices or lower quality for public buyers, including schools, parks, and local governments. The case does not announce a contract opportunity, but its outcome could affect supplier choice and pricing for planned playground purchases.

- Public procurement teams should account for potential changes in supplier availability and pricing when planning school, park, and recreation equipment purchases.
- Buyers can review upcoming sourcing plans and market research to identify alternative suppliers if the proposed acquisition proceeds or competition narrows.
- PlayPower and BCI Burke are the parties to the proposed transaction; the merger remains subject to the court challenge.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Construction & Infrastructure
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** October 21, 2026

### Government Entities
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
- Coalition of attorneys general from 12 states
- North Carolina Department of Justice (NCDOJ)
- Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General
- Washington State Attorney General's Office

### Vendors
- PlayPower (Proposed acquirer)
- BCI Burke Company (Proposed acquisition target)
- Platinum Equity (Owner of PlayPower)

### Key Quotes
> This transaction would eliminate yet another major competitor for PlayPower and likely increase costs for playground projects that already require significant taxpayers funds. When market options shrink, customers are almost always on the losing end.
> — Dave Sunday, Pennsylvania Attorney General

> This merger would harm our communities by increasing the cost and lowering the quality of the playground equipment Washington kids use every day.
> — Nick Brown, Washington Attorney General

> Now we’re fighting this case to make sure kids have affordable playgrounds in their neighborhoods.
> — Jeff Jackson, Attorney General of North Carolina

### Sources
- [Attorney General Jeff Jackson Fights Proposed Combo of Playground Manufacturers; Warns Merger Could Mean Fewer Playgrounds and Increased Costs - NCDOJ](https://ncdoj.gov/attorney-general-jeff-jackson-fights-proposed-combo-of-playground-manufacturers-warns-merger-could-mean-fewer-playgrounds-and-increased-costs/) - Ncdoj
- [AG Sunday’s Antitrust Team Acts to Prevent Sale of Playground Manufacturer that Would Increase Costs for Taxpayer-Funded School and Park Projects - PA Office of Attorney General](https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/taking-action/ag-sundays-antitrust-team-acts-to-prevent-sale-of-playground-manufacturer-that-would-increase-costs-for-taxpayer-funded-school-and-park-projects/) - Attorney General
- [WA, bipartisan coalition oppose merger that would drive up playground costs | Washington State](https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/wa-bipartisan-coalition-oppose-merger-would-drive-playground-costs) - WA