the LEGO Group

The LEGO Group is a privately held toy manufacturer based in Billund, Denmark, and the company behind LEGO bricks. Founded in 1932, it takes its brand name from the Danish words Leg Godt, meaning "Play Well". It is still owned by the Kirk Kristiansen family that founded it, with 75% held by KIRKBI, the family's private holding and investment company, and 25% by the LEGO Foundation. Combining family ownership with a foundation stake is a structure that tends to favour long-term planning over the quarterly pressures faced by publicly listed companies.

The business is organised into areas covering product and marketing development, digital technology, operations, markets and channels, people and culture, and finance. The operations area makes, processes, packs and distributes the company's products, turning designers' ideas into finished sets. Because a single interlocking brick system runs through the range, parts from different sets fit together, letting builders combine pieces across themes and age groups. Its play experiences are sold in over 130 countries.

Besides its Billund headquarters, the company has regional hubs in Boston, London, Shanghai and Singapore, along with manufacturing facilities around the world. More than 33,000 people work for the company in over 40 countries, in roles ranging from design and engineering to digital technology and marketing. Related entities include LEGO Education, which works with teachers and educational specialists; LEGO House, which offers play and learning experiences to fans of all ages; and the LEGOLAND parks, run by Merlin Entertainments, which KIRKBI part-owns. Together, these entities extend the brand beyond retail toys into classrooms and visitor attractions.