Global play and entertainment company Hasbro has acquired content provider Entertainment One in a move which could see further brands appear in its FEC operations.
The deal will see eOne’s global IPs including Peppa Pig and PJ Masks join existing Hasbro favourites such as Transformers, My Little Pony and Nerf, which has recently been the subject of an FEC chain and redemption game from Raw Thrills.
Hasbro will acquire eOne in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately £3.3bn or US$4.0bn. Under the terms of the agreement, eOne shareholders will receive £5.60 in cash for each common share.
“The acquisition of eOne adds beloved story-led global family brands that deliver strong operating returns to Hasbro’s portfolio and provides a pipeline of new brand creation driven by family-oriented storytelling, which will now include Hasbro’s IP,” said Brian Goldner, Hasbro chairman and chief executive officer.
“In addition, Hasbro will leverage eOne’s immersive entertainment capabilities to bring our portfolio of brands that have appeal to gamers, fans and families to all screens globally. We are excited to welcome eOne’s talented employees from around the world into the Hasbro family.”
“Hasbro’s portfolio of integrated toy, game and consumer products, will further fuel the tremendous success we’ve achieved,” said Darren Throop, chief executive officer of eOne.
“Our teams will continue to do what they do best, bolstered by the access to Hasbro’s extensive portfolio of richly creative IP and merchandising strength. In addition, the resulting expanded Hasbro presence in Canada through eOne’s deep roots will bring world-class talent and production capabilities to Hasbro. Along with our leadership team, I look forward to working with Hasbro on our joint growth and success for many years to come.”
The acquisition is set to advance Hasbro’s position as a global play and entertainment company, adding popular, global pre-school brands, which it plans to leverage to market its IP in new formats, including over-the-top and premium platforms, music, location-based entertainment, AR and VR.
