Aug 23, 2019

Hasbro will pay $4 billion to Entertainment One, the owner of Peppa Pig.

[American toymaker Hasbro Inc. has reached a definitive agreement to acquire Entertainment One Inc. of Canada (EOne), which owns "Peppa Pig," "PJ Mask," and the upcoming toddler series "Ricky Zoom." Hasbro will pay $4 billion to acquire EOne in an all-cash transaction. [the same amount The Walt Disney Company paid for Marvel in 2009. However, Hasbro believes the acquisition will provide "long-term profitability through insourcing and cost synergies, as well as future revenue growth opportunities." The acquisition will provide "a new brand creation pipeline driven by family-friendly storytelling, including Hasbro's IP." It is also worth noting that EOne is a diversified media producer with operations in film, television, music production, family programming, merchandising, licensing, and digital content. [Additionally, Hasbro Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Brian Goldner said, "In addition, Hasbro is leveraging eOne's immersive entertainment capabilities to bring a portfolio of brands that are compelling to gamers, fans and families to every screen around the world, and to help our shareholders The company added, "The entire blueprint strategy for the franchise fully delivers on the economics of the franchise.

More from Hasbro on the value of EOne on the film and television side:

Hasbro noted that "EOne's top executives have agreed to join the Hasbro team," Hasbro London, Los Angeles, Toronto, New York, Hong Kong, EOne's global reach, including a presence in Melbourne and Shanghai.

In addition, the agreement allows Hasbro to benefit from EOne's strong Canadian roots: "EOne's Canadian presence is an important hub of creative talent and best-in-class studio capabilities, and significantly expands Hasbro's Canadian presence, position EOne for continued success in Canada.