Mattel Pressed by Barington for Fisher-Price Sale, Buyback (2)

Barington Capital Group has amassed an undisclosed stake in Mattel Inc. and is pressing the toymaker’s Chief Executive Officer Ynon Kreiz for changes that include the sale of some businesses it says are putting a “dark cloud” over the company.

Barington, an activist investment fund founded by Jim Mitarotonda, said in a letter Thursday that the company should pursue alternatives including potential sales of its Fisher-Price and American Girl brands. Barington also argued for a $2 billion share buyback.

Mattel said in a statement that it looked “forward to engaging with Barington as we do with all our shareholders. ...