Hasbro Acquisition of Entertainment One Moves Forward

Entertainment One Ltd. (eOne) shareholders have voted to approve Hasbro‘s proposal to acquire the company in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $4 billion, pursuant to the definitive arrangement agreement between the parties.

Following a successful transaction, Rhode Island-based Hasbro will boost its family IP portfolio and its entertainment production and distribution capabilities. eOne controls valuable IP, including Peppa Pig, PJ Masks, and the recently launched Ricky Zoom. Combined, the companies will hold a major position across toys, games, film, television, music, and family brands.

“We’re pleased that eOne shareholders support this transaction,” says Brian Goldner, chairman and CEO of Hasbro. “Our two companies’ strategies are remarkably complementary, as we both build brands, creativity, and storytelling. Together with eOne’s beloved global brands and expertise, we expect to leverage a combined portfolio with appeal to diverse audiences and consumers around the world.”

Today’s vote marks another big step forward for eOne and Hasbro. The transaction has received several regulatory approvals in the U.S. and Germany but still must receive regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions in Canada.

About the author

James Zahn

James Zahn, AKA The Rock Father, is Editor-in-Chief of The Toy Book, a Senior Editor at The Toy Insider and The Pop Insider, and Editor of The Toy Report, The Toy Book‘s weekly industry newsletter. As a pop culture and toy industry expert, Zahn has appeared as a panelist and guest at events including Comic-Con International: San Diego (SDCC) Wizard World Chicago, and the ASTRA Marketplace & Academy. Zahn has more than 30 years of experience in the entertainment, retail, and publishing industries, and is frequently called upon to offer expert commentary for publications such as Forbes, Marketwatch, the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, USA Today, Reuters, the Washington Post, and more. James has appeared on History Channel’s Modern Marvels, was interviewed by Larry King and Anderson Cooper, and has been seen on Yahoo! Finance, CNN, CNBC, FOX Business, NBC, ABC, CBS, WGN, The CW, and more. Zahn joined the Adventure Media & Events family in 2016, initially serving as a member of the Parent Advisory Board after penning articles for the Netflix Stream Team, Fandango Family, PBS KIDS, Sprout Parents (now Universal Kids), PopSugar, and Chicago Parent. He eventually joined the company full time as a Senior Editor and moved up the ranks to Deputy Editor and Editor-in-Chief.