The Lego Group world's largest toy company by revenue, with sales amounting to US$2.1 billion, surpassing Mattel, which had US$1.9 billion in sales. On 11 August 2017, Lego announced that Niels B. Christiansen would become the new CEO, effective 1 October of the same year. The history of Lego spans nearly 100 years, beginning with the creation of small wooden playthings during the early 20th century. Manufacturing of plastic Lego bricks began in Denmark in 1947, but since has grown to include factories throughout the world. In 1961, Lego was managed by Samsonite until 1972 in the United States and 1986 in Canada.
Lego Atlantis Lego Atlantis Lego Atlantis was a product range of the construction toy Lego, themed around the underwater world of Atlantis. The range was announced in 2009, for launch in early 2010, and was discontinued by the end of 2011. Sets included models of buildable underwater vehicles, as well as 'heroic diver' and 'shark warrior' minifigures. A ride based on the range was operated at Legoland Windsor. The product range underwent extensive development, with the design team using focus groups "mostly comprising boys aged between six and 12, but also child psychologists". Designer William Thorogood commented on these focus groups that