After news surfaced that private equity firm L Catterton, backed by LVMH, had made a buyout offer for Mattel, the toy company affirmed its confidence in remaining independent. Mattel did not comment on the speculation, and a source denied the offer’s validity. Despite a recent 15% rise in shares and the success of the Barbie movie, Mattel’s stock has struggled, prompting pressure from activist investor Barington Capital to sell certain brands. L Catterton’s interest could lead to offers from rivals like Hasbro, with whom Mattel has had past merger talks.