After announcing that it would be the exclusive printer and supplier of NBA/basketball trading cards next season, Panini announced another coup Friday, buying Donruss Playoff L.P., a major cards producer in its own right.

Arlington, Texas-based Donruss produces cards under the Playoff, Leaf and Score labels. It was established in 1954 and was known throughout the 80s and 90s for “Rated Rookies” and “Diamond Kings.”

Donruss is currently publishing officially licensed products for the NFL under license.

The acquisition means that the newly former American branch of the Italian Panini will have its headquarters in Texas. It will take over NFL products in May and start NBA publishing in October.

Panini is also the exclusive producer of cards and sticker albums for FIFA soccer and trading cards for the Harry Potter movies.

Blast is Boston's Online Magazine