Date: Saturday, May 23rd 2009 12:22pm CDT
Categories: Press Releases,
People News,
Company News,
Digital Media News
Posted by: First Gen |
Credit(s): HASBRO
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Views: 23,749
Lots of moving parts going on in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.
HASBRO Inc. has just
announced its Quarterly Cash Dividends to be paid to share holders this quarter. $0.20 USD for every share held by stock holders as of August 3rd, 2009. The dividends are scheduled for release on August, 17th 2009.
Also happening at the toy company, the
joint venture with Discovery Communications has just been closed in which Hasbro purchased a 50 percent interest in a joint venture which holds the Discovery Kids Network in the United States. Hasbro and Discovery plan for the joint venture to create a rebranded television network dedicated to high-quality children’s and family entertainment.
The rebranded network is scheduled to premiere in late 2010. The network will feature content from Hasbro’s rich portfolio of entertainment and educational properties, and content from Discovery’s extensive library of award-winning children’s educational programming, as well as programming from third-party producers.
And finally, we at Seibertron.com would like to congratulate
Deb Thomas for being named Chief Financial Officer. Ms. Thomas will report directly to David Hargreaves, the Company’s Chief Operating Officer, who had been serving as Hasbro’s COO and CFO prior to the appointment of Ms. Thomas.
“Deb is an outstanding and experienced professional who has been an important contributor on many levels throughout her career at Hasbro,” said Mr. Goldner, CEO of HASBRO Inc. “She has clearly and consistently demonstrated her financial acumen and industry expertise as head of Corporate Finance, and we are pleased that she will now be taking on added responsibilities as Hasbro’s CFO.”
-----------------------------------
PAWTUCKET, R.I. & SILVER SPRING, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May. 22, 2009-- Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE:HAS) and Discovery Communications (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) announced today the closing of Hasbro’s purchase of a 50 percent interest in a joint venture which holds the Discovery Kids Network in the United States. Hasbro and Discovery plan for the joint venture to create a rebranded television network dedicated to high-quality children’s and family entertainment.
The rebranded network is scheduled to premiere in late 2010. The network will feature content from Hasbro’s rich portfolio of entertainment and educational properties, and content from Discovery’s extensive library of award-winning children’s educational programming, as well as programming from third-party producers.
About Hasbro
Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE:HAS) is a worldwide leader in children’s and family leisure time products and services with a rich portfolio of brands and entertainment properties that provides some of the highest quality and most recognizable play and recreational experiences in the world. As a brand-driven, consumer-focused global company, Hasbro brings to market a range of toys, games and licensed products, from traditional to high-tech and digital, under such powerful brand names as TRANSFORMERS, PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, CRANIUM and WIZARDS OF THE COAST. Come see how we inspire play through our brands at http://www.hasbro.com. © 2009 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
About Discovery Communications
Discovery Communications (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) is the world’s number one nonfiction media company reaching more than 1.5 billion cumulative subscribers in 170 countries. Discovery empowers people to explore their world and satisfy their curiosity through 100-plus worldwide networks, led by Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Science Channel, Planet Green, Investigation Discovery and HD Theater, as well as leading consumer and educational products and services, and a diversified portfolio of digital media services including www.HowStuffWorks.com. For more information, please visit www.discoverycommunications.com.
Certain statements contained in this press release, including statements related to the future expectations and timing for the rebranding of the network, the types of content which the parties currently plan to create and distribute via the network, and expectations for the performance of the rebranded network, constitute forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and the actual actions or results may differ from these current expectations. Factors which might cause a difference between actual and expected events include: (i) greater than expected costs or unexpected delays associated with the steps necessary to rebrand the network, (ii) greater than expected costs or unexpected delays related to Hasbro’s establishment and development of the team and infrastructure to create and produce content for the network, (iii) changes in plans with respect to the future content to be created for the network or the timing for its development, or with respect to the branding and marketing for the network, (iv) consumer interest in and acceptance of the network and its programming, or in entertainment-related product associated with the network, (v) the financial performance of the network and other factors which impact the resources the network has available and/or determines to spend on programming, advertising and marketing, (vi) the willingness and ability of Hasbro and Discovery to assist the network in meeting any financial shortfalls it may experience or to otherwise support the network, (vii) increased costs associated with, or delays in the production of, planned content for the network, (viii) other factors which may lead to changes in the branding of the network and/or the content to be developed for the network, as well as (ix) other factors which are discussed in Hasbro’s and Discovery’s public announcements and SEC filings. Neither party undertakes any obligation to update these forward-looking statements for events occurring after the date of this press release.
Source: Hasbro, Inc.
News Media Contacts:
For Hasbro:
Wayne Charness, 401-727-5983
wcharness@hasbro.com
or
For Discovery:
Tammy Shea, 240-662-6506
Tammy_Shea@discovery.com
or
Investor Relations Contacts:
For Hasbro:
Karen Warren, 401-727-5401
kwarren@hasbro.com
or
For Discovery:
Craig Felenstein, 212-548-5109
craig_felenstein@discovery.com
Date: Friday, May 15th 2009 2:51pm CDT
Categories: Movie Related News,
Game News,
Press Releases,
People News,
Company News,
Digital Media News
Posted by: Seibertron |
Credit(s): Activision, Rodimus Prime
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Views: 141,836
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ACTIVISION SECURES ALL-STAR TALENT LINE-UP FOR TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN VIDEO GAME
Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Peter Cullen and Frank Welker
Return to Provide Voice-Over Performances
Santa Monica, CA - May 15, 2009 - Activision Publishing, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) has assembled an all-star cast for the upcoming Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen video game, including the film's leads Shia LaBeouf and Megan Fox, who will reprise their starring roles in the game, and fan favorites Peter Cullen and Frank Welker, the voices of OPTIMUS PRIME and MEGATRON from the original animated series. In the new game, developed under license from Hasbro, players are thrust into an adrenaline-pumping battle to defend Earth from a DECEPTICON attack that threatens mankind.
"Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen features an extensive line-up of film actors, along with the voice talent that fans will recognize from the classic animated series," said Rob Kostich, head of marketing for licensed properties, Activision Publishing, Inc. "The diverse cast allowed us to not only capture the epic storyline from the film, but also seamlessly expand the fiction to create a unique and authentic TRANSFORMERS experience that fans of all ages will enjoy."
In addition to Shia LaBeouf and Megan Fox, Peter Cullen (Optimus Prime), Mark Ryan (Bumblebee), Jess Harnell (Ironhide), Charles Adler (Starscream) and Robert Foxworth (Ratchet) reprised their film roles for the game. Voice-over veterans John Di Maggio (Sideways) and James Arnold Taylor (The Fallen) also join the roster.
The Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen video game is based on the upcoming live-action feature film from DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures in association with Hasbro, which opens nationwide on June 24, 2009.* The game lets players take on the role of their favorite AUTOBOTS or DECEPTICONS, picking from the largest, most diverse range of playable Transformers - each with their own distinct abilities and weaponry. Set in unique environments across the globe such as Cairo and Shanghai, the game allows players to instantly switch between vehicle and robot modes as they drive, fly, fight and blast their way through intense, pressure-packed levels. After engaging in single player action, players for the first time ever will be able to go online and battle friends in all-new multiplayer modes.
The Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen video game is currently in development by Luxoflux for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PLAYSTATION3 computer entertainment system, and is rated "T" (Teen - Mild Language, Violence); the Windows PC version is being developed by Beenox Studios and is also rated "T" (Teen - Mild Language, Violence); the distinct Wii and PlayStation2 computer entertainment system versions are being developed by Krome Studios and are rated "T" ("Teen" - Fantasy Violence); two unique AUTOBOT and DECEPTICON-specific Nintendo DS versions are being developed by Vicarious Visions and are rated "E10+" (Everyone 10 and older - Fantasy Violence); the PSP (PlayStationPortable) system version is being developed by Savage Entertainment and is rated "E10+" (Everyone 10 and older - Fantasy Violence).
For more information on the game and to receive exclusive updates about the Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen video game, visit www.TransformersGame.com.
* In the highly anticipated "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen," debuting June 24, 2009, Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf) again joins with the AUTOBOTS against their sworn enemies, the DECEPTICONS. Michael Bay directs from a screenplay written by Ehren Kruger & Roberto Orci & Alex Kurtzman. DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures Present, In Association with Hasbro, A di Bonaventura Pictures Production, A Tom DeSanto/Don Murphy Production, A Michael Bay Film "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" starring Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson and John Turturro. The film is directed by Michael Bay from a screenplay written by Ehren Kruger & Roberto Orci & Alex Kurtzman. Based on Hasbro's TRANSFORMERS Action Figures. Produced by Don Murphy & Tom DeSanto, Lorenzo di Bonaventura and Ian Bryce. Executive producers are Steven Spielberg, Michael Bay, Brian Goldner and Mark Vahradian. This film has not yet been rated.
About Hasbro, Inc.
Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE:HAS) is a worldwide leader in children's and family leisure time products and services with a rich portfolio of brands and entertainment properties that provides some of the highest quality and most recognizable play and recreational experiences in the world. As a brand-driven, consumer-focused global company, Hasbro brings to market a range of toys, games and licensed products, from traditional to high-tech and digital, under such powerful brand names as TRANSFORMERS, PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, CRANIUM and WIZARDS OF THE COAST. Come see how we inspire play through our brands at http://www.hasbro.com. (C) 2009 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
About Paramount Pictures Corporation
Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. The company's labels include Paramount Pictures, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, MTV Films and Nickelodeon Movies. PPC operations also include Paramount Digital Entertainment, Paramount Famous Productions, Paramount Home Entertainment, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., Paramount Studio Group, and Worldwide Television Distribution.
About Activision Publishing, Inc.
Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision Publishing, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products.
Activision Publishing maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, the Netherlands and Australia. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company's website, www.activision.com.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements: Information in this press release that involves Activision Publishing's expectations, plans, intentions or strategies regarding the future are forward-looking statements that are not facts and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Activision Publishing generally uses words such as "outlook," "will," "could," "would," "might," "remains," "to be," "plans," "believes," "may," "expects," "intends," "anticipates," "estimate," future," "plan," "positioned," "potential," "project," "remain," "scheduled," "set to," "subject to," "upcoming" and similar expressions to help identify forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause Activision Publishing's actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements set forth in this release include, but are not limited to, sales levels of Activision Publishing's titles, shifts in consumer spending trends, the impact of the current macroeconomic environment, the seasonal and cyclical nature of the interactive game market, Activision Publishing's ability to predict consumer preferences among competing hardware platforms (including next-generation hardware), declines in software pricing, product returns and price protection, product delays, retail acceptance of Activision Publishing's products, adoption rate and availability of new hardware and related software, industry competition, rapid changes in technology and industry standards, protection of proprietary rights, litigation against Activision Publishing, maintenance of relationships with key personnel, customers, vendors and third-party developers, domestic and international economic, financial and political conditions and policies, foreign exchange rates, integration of recent acquisitions and the identification of suitable future acquisition opportunities, Activision Blizzard's success in integrating the operations of Activision Publishing and Vivendi Games in a timely manner, or at all, and the combined company's ability to realize the anticipated benefits and synergies of the transaction to the extent, or in the timeframe, anticipated, and the other factors identified in Activision Blizzard's most recent annual report on Form 10-K and any subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. The forward-looking statements in this release are based upon information available to Activision Publishing and Activision Blizzard as of the date of this release, and neither Activision Publishing nor Activision Blizzard assumes any obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements believed to be true when made may ultimately prove to be incorrect. These statements are not guarantees of the future performance of Activision Publishing or Activision Blizzard and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond its control and may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations.
###
HASBRO and its logo, TRANSFORMERS and all related characters are trademarks of Hasbro and are used with permission. 2009 Hasbro. All Rights Reserved. 2009 DW Studios L.L.C. and Paramount Pictures Corporation. Paramount and the Paramount logo are trademarks of Paramount. TM 2009 Paramount. All Rights Reserved. Game 2009 Activision Publishing, Inc. Activision is a registered trademark of Activision Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.
All other trademarks and trade names are the properties of their respective owners.
Date: Monday, September 15th 2008 8:12pm CDT
Categories: Press Releases,
Company News,
Digital Media News
Posted by: First Gen |
Credit(s): Standard & Poor Ratings Services
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Views: 12,662
Despite the recent exchange crisis occuring with big investment corporation Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. filing for bankruptcy and famed financial advisor Merrill Lynch being forced to sell its options to Bank of America, Transformers creator
HASBRO (HAS NYSE) has been able to weather the storm.
So much in fact that stock analyst company Standard and Poor's Ratings Service has upgraded the second largest toy company in the United States from a "Stable due to strong operating performance" to "Positive". HASBRO originally suffered the downgrade when
BMO Capital Markets placed its shares at "overvalued".
S&P also affirmed the company's ratings, including its "BBB" corporate credit rating."BBB" is a medium-grade investment-grade rating two notches above "junk bond" status.
The S&P stated that this move was made based on HASBRO's "increased discretionary cash flow and low debt leverage".
If you've just read all that and still aren't sure what to make of it, basically it means that HASBRO has taken a step back up in value despite the increase potential of a full scale recession. This is credited to the companies ability to cut back on unnecessary spending and the small price increase that will affect mid dollar range products that we reported
here.
To view the complete article on this, click
here.
Date: Wednesday, May 14th 2008 5:34am CDT
Categories: Cartoon News,
Press Releases,
Company News,
Digital Media News
Posted by: Raymond T. |
Credit(s): www.tvloonland.com
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Views: 37,711
TV Loonland has broken
the news on their website that they have sold their media licences for many of the classic cartoon series in their "Hasbro Classics Library", including the original Transformers and G.I. Joe series, to none other than Hasbro themselves for the sum of 7 million US Dollars. In 2000 TV loonland had bought Sunbow productions who together with Sony owned the media rights of the cartoon show for many of the territories outside of the United States. The article does state that TV Loonland will continue to work with Hasbro in regards to these propoties in the future.
"As we deliver new immersive entertainment experiences to audiences worldwide, it was extremely important that we had the rights to fully control the usage of our intellectual properties. Entertainment is becoming increasingly important in helping us to strengthen and build our brands globally, and this will enable us to engage consumers in new and exciting ways".
Supplemental:
To answer some questions, If the article on the TV Loonland site is correct, this deal is ONLY for the so called "Hasbro Classic Library". This would mean only shows like G1 Transformers, G.I. Joe, Jem, Inhumanoids and so forth. This might also include G2, since it is basically a reworked G1 show. But this
DOES NOT include the japanese series, Scramble City, HeadMasters, MasterForce, Victory or Zone. Neither does that mean any other Transformers series.
The TV Loonland also only covers territories outside of the US, like the UK, europe and South America. The media licence for release in the US still belongs to Sony as far as we know.
The only real change with the shifting of ownership of these rights is that TV Loonland will now most likely act a middleman between Hasbro and companies like Metrodome, who actually produce the titles. The consumer should not be effected by this change.
Date: Sunday, May 4th 2008 7:32pm CDT
Categories: Toy News,
Digital Media News
Posted by: Tigertrack |
Credit(s): Yahoo news.com
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Views: 26,205
According to a recent article on
Yahoo News, there are a number of new bills in Congress to work on making the toy gun laws in the United States even more strict in many states:
"Among those 15 states, seven bills limiting fake guns are pending this year and 21 have been enacted since 1990, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Some states have enacted or are considering multiple measures. They range from prohibiting imitation firearms in vehicles to banning the toys from convenience stores.
Tennessee lawmakers are considering a proposal by state Rep. John Deberry to make it a misdemeanor to intentionally display or expose "an imitation firearm in a public place in a threatening manner." Exceptions include justifiable self defense, lawful hunting, and displays such as a museum collection."
So will these bills become law? Will this have even more of an ill effect on the state of Re-Issue and Masterpiece Megatrons being bought and sold within the United States? Will your state be one that adopts these new proposals? Will you have to keep your Megatrons locked in a gun cabinet and have a permit to own one?
You can read the whole article
here.
However, if you live in the United States and are having trouble swallowing these new toy gun law possibilities, ask any of our Australian members about their troubles with the recent Masterpiece Megatrons seized at customs --some destroyed--, and gun safety permits needed to own one. Yes, that's right ask them about having to get a weapons permit to own a Re-issue or Masterpiece Megatron.
Oh to have the innocence of the 80's back...
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