Champaign-based Hobbico has acquired the assets of Revell Monogram, the worldwide market leader in plastic model kits.

Revell, which sells model cars, trucks, ships and planes, will continue to operate from its Northbrook headquarters as a subsidiary of Hobbico. But Hobbico President Wayne Hemming said it's likely some of its operations will eventually move to Champaign.

Revell employs 52 people in Northbrook and has a two-person sales office in Bentonville, Ark., that serves Wal-Mart. All the Northbrook workers, with the exception of two contract employees, have been retained by Hobbico.

"Plastic kits are an important foundation to the hobby business," Hemming said. "We are pleased to welcome Revell to the Hobbico family and look forward to the exciting growth opportunities that this presents."

In September 2006, Revell's European business was sold to a group led by Revell GmbH management.