CMA investigates Hasbro’s eOne takeover
The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority has launched a preliminary investigation into Hasbro’s planned acquisition of London Stock Exchange-listed Entertainment One (eOne).
Hasbro, the US toy/board game giant whose brands include Monopoly, Transformers, My Little Pony, GI Joe and Power Rangers, announced in August it would pay US$4 billion dollars to take control of eOne, the Canada-based TV, film and music company.
Eone’s biggest brand is children’s TV franchise Peppa Pig, though it also has a robust music portfolio, including live production outfit Round Room Entertainment, labels Dualtone, Death Row and Last Gang Records and artist management company People’s Champ.
The CMA says it is considering whether the acquisition would substantially reduce competition “within any market or markets in the United Kingdom for goods or services”.
The competition watchdog is inviting comments on the proposed deal until 5 December, with the deadline for its ‘phase-1’ decision set for 21 January 2020.
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Hasbro to acquire Entertainment One
Hasbro, the US toy/board game giant whose brands include Monopoly, Transformers, My Little Pony, GI Joe and Power Rangers, has announced its acquisition of Entertainment One (eOne), the Canada-based, London Stock Exchange-listed TV, film and music company.
While Hasbro’s PR largely focuses on eOne’s TV properties, including all-conquering children’s TV colossus Peppa Pig, the all-cash transaction, worth US$4 billion (£3.3bn), also sees the company acquire eOne’s music businesses, including live production outfit Round Room Entertainment, labels Dualtone, Death Row and Last Gang Records and management firm People’s Champ.
Rhode Island-based Hasbro says the acquisition will “strengthen Hasbro’s end-to-end ability to monetise and bring to market its IP in increasingly attractive new formats, including over-the-top (OTT) and premium platforms, music, location-based entertainment, AR and VR”.
“Hasbro’s portfolio of integrated toy, game and consumer products will further fuel the tremendous success we’ve achieved at eOne”
“Hasbro’s portfolio of integrated toy, game and consumer products will further fuel the tremendous success we’ve achieved at eOne,” says Darren Throop, Entertainment One’s CEO. “There’s a strong cultural fit between our two companies: eOne’s stated mission is to unlock the power and value of creativity, which aligns with Hasbro’s corporate objectives.
“EOne 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.”
Entertainment One’s share price climbed by nearly 30% in early trading on Friday (23 August) morning.
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