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Several months ago, Hasbro sent out a press release highlighting their new campaign to connect faces and names to the gigantic toymaker company, called Hasbro Stories. As a series of short clips on YouTube, they spotlighted employees and departments that sparked the interest of potential viewers, from personal hobbies to connections to the brands they work on, giving a human face to the usually corporate reality for a wider audience.
Well, they're back! We have a whole list of clips for you to enjoy, spanning from My Little Pony to Consumer Care, to Baby Alive and Global Philantropy - and of course, Transformers. Two clips in particular are included below, focusing on Corey and Thor & Amanda. Corey is the eye behind the lens that has taken pretty much all the stock photography images of the figures we know and love (and many other Hasbro products); couple Thor and Amanda met through Transformers, and share an interest with each other, and about each other, and can be seen in a number of images with the franchise and the brand team for our robotic plastic friends. Check out the clips below!
It looks like it is back to the drawing board for any possibility of Hasbro purchasing Mattel. According to the latest from Reuters, Mattel has flat out rejected Hasbro's offer to purchase the company, which we reported on a week ago. Here is a quote from the article saying exactly why the offer was rebuffed:
Mattel has informed Hasbro its proposal undervalues the company and does not take sufficiently into account the potential for regulators to reject the deal based on antitrust concerns, the sources said.
The sources are, of course, anonymous and the details of Hasbro's offer was never disclosed.
What is interesting is that while the offer was rejected, talks of acquisition have not ceased (they haven't for a decade now) and Mattel would still be up for selling if the offer was right, according to reuters:
Mattel’s rebuttal indicates that Margaret Georgiadis, who took over as the company’s chief executive in February, is seeking to drive a hard bargain in negotiations with Hasbro, even though Mattel’s stock has significantly underperformed that of Hasbro in the last year.
Mattel's stock is expected to lower from the rise it incurred after the news of a potential purchasing agreement.
We receive news of some newly licensed material coming out of Hasbro's dealings with Pop Culture Shock Collectibles, Inc., who have recently confirmed they will be producing items and figures for a number of franchises owned by the toy maker, including Transformers, Magic: The Gathering, My Little Pony, GI Joe and other members of the Hascon franchises.
PCS are makers of highly detailed and nicely sculpted statues, and have dedicated themselves to high-end collectibles and more affordable figures alike, from franchises like Capcom, Power Rangers, Robocop, and more. You can browse their Facebook page for more information, here. We have no images yet, but you can check out the announcement for yourselves below!
PCS Collectibles is pleased to announce we have now secured a licensing agreement with Hasbro Inc. We are excited about the opportunity to team with Hasbro in creating collectibles based on characters from properties like TRANSFORMERS, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, MAGIC: THE GATHERING, G.I. JOE and MY LITTLE PONY to name a few. Stay tuned for further details!
G.I. JOE, TRANSFORMERS, and MY LITTLE PONY are trademarks of Hasbro. DUNGEONS & DRAGONS is a trademark of Wizards of the Coast LLC.
Back in February 2016, we posted an article about a possible merger between Hasbro and Mattel. Now, a year and a half later, the Wall Street Journal reports that sources familiar with the matter have told them that Hasbro has recently approached Mattel regarding a takeover offer. Very little else is said apart from that since any detail regarding the offer has not been divulged by these anonymous sources.
What is interesting is that whatever talks of a merger that we may have had are now evolved into a talk of a takeover which could possibly mean that the end goal would be less about keeping both brands, ala Takara Tomy, but instead absorbing Mattel as a part of Hasbro, like what they eventually did with Kenner before. For those curious, Mattel has a market value of about $5 billion, while Hasbro is worth about $11 billion, so more than double. Hasbro's stock has jumped slightly since the news. Below is a quote from the Wall Street Journal regarding these talks.
Hasbro Inc. has made a takeover offer for rival Mattel Inc., according to people familiar with the matter, a potential combination that would unite the two biggest U.S. toy makers and put Barbie and G.I. Joe under the same roof.
Hasbro’s approach to Mattel was made recently, one of the people said. The terms of any possible deal couldn’t be learned, and the approach may go nowhere.
To read more, you can find the article here. While you need a subscrition to read the full article, this CNBC article is free to read and is based on said Wall Street Journal article.
Let us know what you think can come of this potential takeover and what opportunities for cross branding you see.
As filming on the Bumblebee Movie wraps/is wrapping up, and with the last of the Transformers: The Last Knight toyline trickling out, we bring to you more news, though of the business side of making the live-action movies.
As we reported earlier, HuaHua media, via it's funding agreement with Paramount Studios, had incurred larger than expected losses, due to underperforming Paramount films (including this summer's The Last Knight). Well, it now looks as though that agreement is ending, via this story in Variety.
What does this mean for the live-action movies? Jim Gianapoulos, Paramount CEO said “The actions we are announcing today establish a financing model that is better aligned to Paramount’s new strategic approach to film production,” [he] said in a statement. Click on the link above to read the full article, and feel free to discuss this in the Energon pub forums below!
A preamble before the write-up: the original article is entirely speculative, and given that it was originally posted in July 2017 and we have heard nothing from either Hasbro or Takara Tomy since, please only consider it as such - speculation.
With that out of the way, you may be interested in reading an analysis over on SeekingAlpha concerning rumours of Hasbro acquiring Takara Tomy as part of itself (rather than the current partnerships they operate on certain franchises, such as Transformers), after Takara Tomy lost the license to one of its more lucrative products: Pokémon. The full piece is behind a register-to-read wall, but you can read the summary and the opening paragraphs below.
What do you make of this potential, but not at all confirmed or suggested anywhere else, circumstance? Would you be happy with the change? Let us know in the Energon Pub!
Summary
Takara Tomy is losing one of its best licenses, and its revenue outlook is negative for the next two years.
The company has failed in its effort over the past six years to diversify from a declining Japanese toy market.
The company has incurred massive losses since 2012.
It has hence become a takeover target and this possibly from the side of Hasbro.
A few weeks ago, I had a conversation with an old friend of mine, a senior buyer at a large Japanese toy retailer, who asked me whether I had seen the announcement about Pokemon pulling its license from Takara Tomy (OTC:TKHIY) and giving it to Wicked Cool Toys Company as of July 2018. I said that I had, and the follow-up question was whether I thought it likely that one of the two large American toy companies would buy Takara Tomy. Japanese executives are not in the habit of asking flippant questions, and this one made me think that there could in fact something major be happening and meriting further investigation.
First, some background.
In a Toy News Magazine article dated April 6, 2011, I said that:
“Takara Tomy is buying RC2 and challenging the leading US and European toy manufacturers on their own turf. With this move the company is transforming itself from a local giant into one with a decent presence in all major markets and a viable competitor to Mattel, Spin Master and JAKKS. I have omitted Hasbro from that statement because there are ties between the two companies effectively ruling out competition between them.”
There was a solid reason why Takara Tomy was anxious to diversify away from its home market. Japan toy sales have been declining for since 2010 due to negative population growth, a trend that is unlikely to reverse itself in a hurry:
Paramount Pictures and Hasbro to Produce and Distribute Live Action and Animated Content Under Five Year Exclusive Relationship
November 03, 2017 08:37 AM Eastern Daylight Time
HOLLYWOOD--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Paramount Pictures and Hasbro, Inc. today announced that they will be teaming up to produce and distribute content based on Hasbro brands, as well as original stories. The two companies will collaborate on live action and animated films, with Hasbro’s Allspark Pictures and Allspark Animation playing an active role alongside Paramount Pictures in development and production.
This announcement expands upon an existing relationship between the two companies. Hasbro and Paramount have partnered on five Transformers movies to date, as well as two G.I. Joe films, and the first Transformers spinoff, Bumblebee, is slated for December 2018.
"Paramount has been a valuable partner of Hasbro’s for more than a decade, and we’re looking forward to taking our relationship to the next level," said Brian Goldner, Chairman and CEO, Hasbro. "Storytelling, in its many forms, is revolutionizing our business and differentiating Hasbro in all sectors where we operate. We look forward to collaborating with the talented team at Paramount to create powerful new stories for kids, fans and families globally."
While terms of the relationship are not being disclosed, Paramount and Hasbro will partner on financing projects at varying levels of investment, and Paramount will distribute the projects produced during the five year term of this deal worldwide. Paramount and Hasbro will also collaborate on television programming.
"Hasbro has an enormous array of exceptional brands, so this expansion of our relationship is incredibly exciting," said Paramount Pictures Chairman and CEO, Jim Gianopulos. "We look forward to working with Brian Goldner and Stephen Davis and the Hasbro and Allspark teams to create extraordinary film properties for all audiences."
Hasbro recently hired Greg Mooradian as president of Allspark Pictures, with responsibility for live action film and television. Allspark Animation, the company’s label for animated film and television content, is led by Hasbro’s Meghan McCarthy. Hasbro acquired Boulder Media in 2016, a leading animation studio based in Dublin, Ireland, to produce its television and film animation. Hasbro Studios, its distribution arm which the company founded in 2009, distributes TV and digital content to more than 190 territories globally. The entertainment division reports to Hasbro’s Chief Content Officer, Stephen Davis.
About Paramount Pictures Corporation
Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. Paramount controls a collection of some of the most powerful brands in filmed entertainment, including Paramount Pictures, Paramount Animation, Paramount Television, Paramount Players, MTV Films, and Nickelodeon Movies. PPC operations also include Paramount Home Media Distribution, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., and Paramount Studio Group.
About Hasbro
Hasbro (NASDAQ: HAS) is a global play and entertainment company committed to Creating the World's Best Play Experiences. From toys and games to television, movies, digital gaming and consumer products, Hasbro offers a variety of ways for audiences to experience its iconic brands, including NERF, MY LITTLE PONY, TRANSFORMERS, PLAY-DOH, MONOPOLY, LITTLEST PET SHOP and MAGIC: THE GATHERING, as well as premier partner brands. Through Hasbro Studios and its film labels, Allspark Pictures and Allspark Animation, the Company is building its brands globally through great storytelling and content on all screens. Hasbro is committed to making the world a better place for children and their families through corporate social responsibility and philanthropy. Hasbro ranked No. 1 on the 2017 100 Best Corporate Citizens list by CR Magazine, and has been named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® by Ethisphere Institute for the past six years. Learn more at http://www.hasbro.com, and follow us on Twitter (@Hasbro & @HasbroNews) and Instagram (@Hasbro).
The title is not a typo: the next iteration of the Hasbro-run event that brings together all their franchises under one roof in their own backyard will not be back for another year - but it will be back! Taking place in Providence again, Hascon will return on September, 6-8 2019. You can find out the whole information we have so far in the press release below, and revisit our Hascon 2017 coverage through our galleries and stories!
Hasbro Announces Dates for 2019 HASCON Event
Second-Ever HASCON FANmily Event Scheduled for Sept. 6-8, 2019 in Providence, R.I.
PAWTUCKET, R.I. – Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ:HAS) today announced that it will host its second-ever HASCON event Sept. 6 - 8, 2019, in Providence, R.I. at the Rhode Island Convention Center and Dunkin’ Donuts Center.
Hasbro hosted its inaugural HASCON event this past September, offering families and fans of all ages a completely new way to experience its brands, and a behind-the-scenes pass to the world of Hasbro. The event featured three days of hands-on brand experiences, meet-and-greets, sneak peeks, concerts, exclusive reveals, star-studded panels and fan-centric surprises.
"We couldn’t be happier with the feedback we’ve received from our inaugural HASCON event," said John Frascotti, president, Hasbro, Inc. "We’re looking forward to once again delivering immersive entertainment experiences around our brands for fans and families in 2019."
The 2017 event featured dozens of meet-and-greet opportunities with celebrities, athletes and influencers, including Mark Wahlberg, Stan Lee, David Ortiz, James White, Dude Perfect, Maddie Ziegler, James Gunn, Zach King, Peter Cullen, Frank Welker, and Isabela Moner, among others. Concerts by Flo Rida and Daya were included with the purchase of a general admission HASCON ticket. Guests were also invited to audition for a Hasbro video, and to select a toy or game to donate to the Marine Toys for Tots for children impacted by recent hurricanes.
More details about the 2019 HASCON event, including information about ticket packages, will be posted on http://hascon.hasbro.com.
About Hasbro
Hasbro (NASDAQ: HAS) is a global play and entertainment company committed to Creating the World's Best Play Experiences. From toys and games to television, movies, digital gaming and consumer products, Hasbro offers a variety of ways for audiences to experience its iconic brands, including NERF, MY LITTLE PONY, TRANSFORMERS, PLAY-DOH, MONOPOLY, LITTLEST PET SHOP and MAGIC: THE GATHERING, as well as premier partner brands. The Company's Hasbro Studios and its film label, Allspark Pictures, are building its brands globally through great storytelling and content on all screens. Through its commitment to corporate social responsibility and philanthropy, Hasbro is helping to make the world a better place for children and their families. Hasbro ranked No. 1 on the 2017 100 Best Corporate Citizens list by CR Magazine, and has been named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® by Ethisphere Institute for the past six years. Learn more at www.hasbro.com, and follow us on Twitter (@Hasbro & @HasbroNews) and Instagram (@Hasbro).
We have received communication from Dave Brandon, the CEO of Toys'R'Us, given all the news about their Chapter 11 process and its repercussions on Hasbro and toy sales in general for this year, speaking on how the stores will be dealing with it all, and how they plan on assuaging some fears of the general public. You can read the whole message below, and join the conversation in the Energon Pub.
Dear Valued Customer,
As you may know, in September we announced that we were beginning a formal process – known as Chapter 11 – designed to strengthen our financial position and allow us to reinvest in our business. This was a proactive and voluntary move that gives us the opportunity to reset and do the things necessary to continue to earn your business now and well into the future.
I’m writing today because I want to assure you that you can continue to shop with us with confidence, in store or online. Your local Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us stores are open and our team members are standing by ready to help. You should also know that we are continuing to honor our various customer programs including Registry, Endless Earnings, Geoffrey's Birthday Club, gift cards and warranties.
With the holidays just around the corner, we have a number of exciting things in store for you:
Price Match Promise¹ – If you find a toy or baby product at a lower price at one of our competitors, Toys"R"Us will match the price. Not only will we match competitor’s prices in store, we’ll donate an additional $1 to Toys for Tots every time you price match now thru 12/24, up to $1 million.
Parents Night Out² – As a parent, I found it was always tough to find time to shop when the kids weren’t looking, so this year Toys"R"Us is hosting special events on Sunday, November 12 and Thursday, November 30 from 8-10pm local time. During these very special events, customers will have access to a shopping expert, hot toy demonstrations, games and treats (think hot chocolate bar, raffles and more) plus a sweepstakes where Rewards"R"Us members have a chance to win a trip for 4 to New York City.
Layaway and Then Some³ – We will once again offer free layaway services this holiday season, waiving the usual fee. Plus, every single day from Sunday, November 5, through Saturday, December 9, Toys"R"Us will select one layaway customer who will receive a $200 TRU gift card to put towards their layaway.
Play Lab – I have seven grandkids who would love nothing more than to visit one of our stores to test drive the newest toys. On Sunday, November 1, forty-two Toys"R"Us locations across the country will open designated play spaces in their stores. Shopping list meets play time.
Play Chaser™ – Our new augmented reality gaming app is turning our toy stores into an interactive playground. It’s also connected to our much-awaited holiday catalog, The Ultimate Guide to Play. Kids can now build their favorites list using the app.
These are just a few of the exciting changes I’m most excited for this holiday. No matter how you choose to shop with us, know that you can continue to count on us for an outstanding experience. We have been in the business of bringing joy to kids for nearly seven decades, and we welcome the opportunity to serve you this holiday season and long into the future.
Fellow Seibertronian d-maximus_Prime has pointed us to an article on CNN's Money Section, regarding Toys "R" Us' bankruptcy, and how it's expected to affect toy sales this Christmas shopping season. Hasbro's CFO, Deborah Thomas, said that while 3rd quarter sales and profits were above forecasts, 4th quarter sales were now expected to be only slightly higher than last year, which is a significant drop from where they had been expected to be.
You can read the full article by clicking here. What do you think of this latest development? Discuss it in our forums below!
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