The rise and fall of LEGO: From near bankruptcy to the world's largest toy company - Video

Today, LEGO is the most profitable toy company in the world. But just 20 years ago, it was losing $1 million a day, drowning in debt, and weeks away from collapse. This video breaks down the real story behind LEGO’s rise, fall, and legendary turnaround.

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In the 1990s, LEGO chased trends, over-expanded into theme parks, clothing, and electronics, and completely lost focus on what made it special. Costs exploded, complexity spiraled, and profits disappeared. By 2003, bankruptcy felt inevitable. Then a bold leadership change forced LEGO to strip everything back to its core: creative play, disciplined design, and customers who actually wanted to buy the product.

This is a masterclass in business failure, turnaround strategy, brand focus, and leadership under pressure — with lessons for entrepreneurs, investors, and anyone building something long-term.

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