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Activision Secures All-Star Talent Line-Up For Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen Video Game

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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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.



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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.

"Transformers Revenge of the Fallen" Limited Edition Candies Promotion Begins

Date: Monday, May 11th 2009 12:47pm CDT
Categories: Movie Related News, Press Releases, Company News
Posted by: Tigertrack | Credit(s): businesswire.com

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businesswire.com- For those who crave another part of the promotion of the Transformers movie sequel, well, here it comes. In announcement today by Mars snackfood, we find out the details of their limited time promotion with the highly anticipated Transformers sequel.

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mars Snackfood US announced today the availability of limited-edition M&M'S® Strawberried Peanut Butter Chocolate Candies and SNICKERS® Nougabot^TM Bar to celebrate the June 24 release of "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" from DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures, in association with Hasbro, Inc. M&M'S® and SNICKERS® fans are sure to "fall" for the limited-edition product, which will be available from May through July in food, drug, mass and convenience outlets.

As anticipation for the summer blockbuster builds, Mars Snackfood US will also be rolling out a full-contact, "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen"-themed marketing campaign in support of the limited-edition products. Specific marketing campaign executions include:

Action film director Michael Bay is putting his signature touch on a dramatic television commercial in which animated M&M'S® Brand characters, "Red" and "Yellow," team up with the popular AUTOBOT® OPTIMUS PRIME^TM, to deliver the M&M'S® Strawberried Peanut Butter Chocolate Candies to stores around the country. The commercial will debut on June 1, 2009.
Michael Bay himself will become an M&M'S® character for a new "Inner M" print ad that will be featured in June issues of Entertainment Weekly, US Weekly and USA Weekend. The print advertising is an extension of the brand"s "Inner M" equity campaign which encourages Americans to find their fun side and embrace their "Inner M."
Consumers will be able to join "Red" and "Yellow," as well as other "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" characters on a digital scavenger adventure on http://www.mms.com, as well as other sites throughout the Web, beginning May 19, 2009.
Kyle Busch"s No. 18 M&M'S® car in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series will sport a special "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen"-themed paint scheme during the June 21, 2009, race at Infineon Raceway, where Busch took the checkered flag last year. The special paint scheme features movie title decals on the hood, trunk and TV panel and the M&M'S® Brand "Red," "Green" and "Yellow" characters modified into "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" characters.
"M&M'S® Chocolate Candies have always been a favorite movie-watching treat and aligning ourselves with one of the most-anticipated films of the summer is a perfect match," said Michele Kessler, vice president, marketing, Mars Snackfood US. "The battle between AUTOBOTS® and DECEPTICONS® echoes the ongoing debate over peanut M&M'S® versus milk chocolate. Fortunately, you don"t need to choose between favorite flavors with our limited-edition M&M'S® Strawberried Peanut Butter Chocolate Candies."

"This campaign with the iconic M&M'S® brand is a great way to build even more excitement about the new installment of the "Transformers" movie franchise with consumers everywhere " from the grocery store, on their computer screens and even at the racetrack," commented LeeAnne Stables, Executive Vice President of Worldwide Marketing Partnerships for Paramount Pictures.

About the Limited-Edition Candies and Collector Packaging

The M&M'S® Strawberried Peanut Butter Chocolate Candies feature smooth peanut butter and sweet strawberry flavor surrounded by a colorful M&M'S® candy shell. The M&M'S® Strawberried Peanut Butter Chocolate Candies are offered in singles (1.4 oz) and medium bags (11.4 oz) and retail for $.79 and $3.49, respectively.

The limited-edition flavor along with traditional M&M'S® Chocolate Candies are available in seven limited-edition collector packs featuring "Red," "Blue," "Yellow" and "Orange" M&M'S® characters, transformed into CHOCL-O-BOTS^TM and DELECT-O-CONS^TM alongside images of the dynamic "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" characters.

M&M'S® Brand Milk Chocolate Candies limited-edition packaging features images of AUTOBOTS® characters OPTIMUS PRIME®, BUMBLEBEE^TM and IRONHIDE^TM while M&M'S® Brand Peanut Chocolate Candies limited-edition packaging features DECEPTICONS® STARSCREAM^TM, BARRICADE^TM AND MEGATRON^TM.

In addition to M&M'S®, Mars" SNICKERS® brand is launching a limited-edition SNICKERS® NOUGABOT^TM Bar with deceptively delicious bright Yellow Nougat and Dark Caramel to resemble the colorings of one of the coolest and most popular AUTOBOTS®, BUMBLEBEE^TM. The packaging includes images of the BUMBLEBEE^TM character as well as "Bits & Bytes" "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" movie and Snickers candy trivia. The SNICKERS® NOUGABOT^TM Bar is available nationwide in singles for $.79.

About "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen"

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 by Ehren Kruger & Roberto Orci & Alex Kurtzman.

"Transformers" was the highest grossing original film and bestselling DVD of 2007. The film also received three Oscar® nominations and won "Best Movie" at the MTV Movie Awards.

TRANSFORMERS is a brand of Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE:HAS). Hasbro 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.

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, Kevin Dunn, Julie White, John Benjamin Hickey, Ramon Rodriguez, Isabel Lucas, Glenn Morshower and John Turturro. The film is directed by Michael Bay. Written by Ehren Kruger & Roberto Orci & Alex Kurtzman. Based on Hasbro"s Transformers^TM 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.

For more information about the new M&M'S® Strawberried Peanut Butter Chocolate Candies, SNICKERS® Nougabot^TM Bar or the Transformers^TM-themed marketing campaign, visit http://www.mms.com or http://www.snickers.com.

About Mars Snackfood US:

Mars Snackfood US is the United States snack operations of Mars North America. With more than $7 billion in annual sales in the United States, Mars North America includes food, snack and pet care segments, which are a symbol of excellence for quality brands. Headquartered in Mount Olive, N.J., Mars North America employs more than 12,000 associates in the United States, with 54 facilities nationwide. Mars Snackfood US, headquartered in Hackettstown, N.J., includes some of the world"s favorite brands such as DOVE® Brand Chocolate, M&M'S® Brand, MILKY WAY® Brand, SNICKERS® Brand, 3 MUSKETEERS® Brand, TWIX® Brand and more. Additional popular brands in the petcare and food segments for Mars North America include UNCLE BEN"S® Brand, PEDIGREE® Brand Food for Dogs, and WHISKAS® Brand Food for Cats. Please visit http://www.mars.com.

And in supprot of this announcement, I also found them at my local Toys R' Us this past weekend. So if you are into it, you can start going to your favorite grocery store, etc., and eating some Revenge of the Fallen movie promotion goodness. I do recommend the strawberry-peanut butter packs, it was a really good treat!

Activision's Press Release for ROTF game

Date: Friday, February 6th 2009 8:48am CST
Categories: Movie Related News, Game News, Press Releases, Company News, Digital Media News
Posted by: Seibertron | Credit(s): Activision

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ACTIVISION GEARS UP FOR MONUMENTAL BATTLE WITH TRANSFORMERS™: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN



Santa Monica, CA – February 6, 2009 – The fate of the earth and the survival of the human race hang in the balance in the Transformers™: Revenge of the Fallen video game from Activision Publishing, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI). Based on Hasbro’s legendary TRANSFORMERS property and the most anticipated blockbuster film of 2009 from DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures in association with Hasbro, the game propels players straight into an adrenaline-pumping battle for supremacy across the globe where every second and every choice makes the difference between mankind’s salvation and annihilation.



“The Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen video game will give fans the chance to experience their favorite AUTOBOTS and DECEPTICONS in an all-new, movie inspired adventure packed with the thrilling and explosive action that only the TRANSFORMERS universe can deliver,” said Rob Kostich, vice president of global brand management, Activision, Inc. “We are thrilled to announce that after experiencing the rush of commanding colossal robots on their own, players can challenge their friends for the first time ever in full-featured, blistering multiplayer action as their favorite characters.”



“Activision has developed a Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen video game that will give gamers and fans a truly compelling way to experience TRANSFORMERS,” said Mark Blecher, Hasbro’s General Manager of Digital Gaming and Media. “The Activision team’s passion for the property clearly shows in the character development, intense action and rich graphics that really deliver an immersive experience for the user.”



The Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen video game lets gamers step into the shoes of the AUTOBOTS or DECEPTICONS, select any available mission and pick 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 PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, and for Windows PC by Beenox Studios.



Also, award-winning Krome Studios is developing distinct Wii™ and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system versions, utilizing the individual platform features to deliver an intense 3rd person action adventure game that combines dynamic robot combat with arcade-style vehicle sequences and flight-based levels. In addition, two completely different titles are being developed for Nintendo DS™ by Vicarious Visions, allowing players to take on AUTOBOT or DECEPTICON-specific campaigns. For the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, a unique, fast-paced action arcade title is being developed by Savage Entertainment.



For more information on the game and to receive exclusive updates about the Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen video game, visit http://www.TransformersGame.com.



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, TIGER, 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 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, Australia, Japan and South Korea. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company’s website, http://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.



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HASBRO and its logo, TRANSFORMERS and all related characters are trademarks of Hasbro and are used with permission. © 2009 Hasbro. All Rights Reserved. © 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.

You can view Activision's Transformers game website by visiting transformersgame.com.

STOCK WATCH: S&P Boosts HASBRO with "Positive"Rating

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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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.

Hasbro Elevates Global Brands to New Heights

Date: Tuesday, June 10th 2008 2:25pm CDT
Categories: Movie Related News, Toy News, Press Releases, Company News
Posted by: Seibertron | Credit(s): Business Wire

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Hasbro Elevates Global Brands to New Heights with Focus on Entertainment, Fashion, Sports and Digital Games

Licensing International Expo 2008

PAWTUCKET, R.I.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Entertainment and Licensing division of Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE: HAS) will arrive at Licensing 2008 International with new, ground-breaking licensing programs supporting global powerhouse brands such as G.I. JOE, TRANSFORMERS, TRIVIAL PURSUIT, LITTLEST PET SHOP and NERF across a variety of licensing categories with a focus on entertainment, fashion and sports as well as the first digital offerings coming out of Hasbro’s strategic licensing agreement with Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS). In addition, Hasbro will showcase innovative licensing programs built around its deep portfolio of coveted brands including MY LITTLE PONY, TONKA, PLAYSKOOL and MONOPOLY at the annual show on June 10-12 at the Javits Convention Center in New York City.

“Hasbro is pioneering the trend to extend classic and modern toy and board game properties to the entertainment sector,” said Lisa Licht, general manager, Entertainment and Licensing, Hasbro. “We are striking global, multi-year deals that allow our brands to live in worlds where consumers kick back, play and relax with movies, television, video games as well as sports. We’re also continuing to see an incredible demand for expressive fashion that helps define who you are, particularly in the area of graphic tees. Licensees and retailers alike have recognized that Hasbro’s unrivaled portfolio of properties provides the ultimate one-stop shopping solution to consumers’ insatiable appetite for pop culture infused apparel.”

TRANSFORMERS: EVEN MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE IN 2009

TRANSFORMERS has become a global phenomenon inspiring comic books, video games, animated series, films and a convention dedicated to TRANSFORMERS collectors. Fans of all ages are fascinated by the alien robots from CYBERTRON that live on earth as “Robots in Disguise” and have the ability to change from robot mode to vehicle mode.

Excitement is already building for the next movie – TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN -- from DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures, due to hit theaters on June 26, 2009. With a cast of more than 250 licensees in 70 countries supporting the first blockbuster film release in 2007, Hasbro continues to expand the lineup of TRANSFORMERS licensed products that will come to market around the globe in conjunction with next year’s movie release.

Shifting gears to TRANSFORMERS ANIMATED, Hasbro is set to deliver a wide variety of licensed products supporting this brand in 2008 starting with an animated television programming series called TRANSFORMERS ANIMATED being jointly developed by Cartoon Network and Hasbro and co-produced by Cartoon Network Studios. Paramount Home Entertainment is also on board to release two TRANSFORMERS ANIMATED home DVDs this summer.

Rounding out the TRANSFORMERS ANIMATED adventure is a just-released series of four titles from HarperCollins and pending publishing deals with Titan Publishing Group in the UK and Hemma in France. IDW will also release four digest-sized comic books targeting the younger audience and American Greetings will develop both stickers and greeting cards to ship this fall.

In addition, Hasbro has signed and extended more than 30 U.S. and international deals for TRANSFORMERS ANIMATED apparel and footwear. Licensees including AME, Kids Headquarters and Fruit of the Loom will deliver a wide array of apparel to market in the U.S. just in time for back-to-school while licensees like Adventure Diffusion, Blues Clothing and Cooneen Textiles will bring to market highly stylized fashions throughout France, Italy, Ireland and the Nordic region.

Plans call for European print and publishing licensees to release a range of stationery, posters, books, party goods and gifts and greeting cards across multiple countries, including France and the UK. Hasbro also has agreements in principle pending contract or signed licenses with companies including Alpa, Pyramid Posters (UK) and Gemma International (UK). Under pending deals, Editions Hemma would create a publishing program for France, and Durabo would bring out gifts and stationery for the Benelux countries.

Hasbro has agreements in principle under pending contracts for TRANSFORMERS domestic and houseware products to be sold across Europe as well as in Greece and Israel, as well as other key markets.

G.I. JOE: JOIN THE HEROES OF TOMORROW...TODAY

Hasbro is enlisting licensees around the globe to rally behind one of the greatest boys properties of all time – G.I. JOE. With the live-action G.I. JOE movie from Paramount Pictures, in association with Hasbro, due out August 7, 2009, several major licensing deals have already been signed and many more are underway to bring fans a wide selection of “everything G.I. JOE.”

Leading the publishing charge is IDW which will create an action-packed comic book series. IDW also has the rights to graphic novels. Under other pending deals, licensees will bring a number of G.I. JOE goods to market including graphic t-shirts, boys apparel, footwear, video games, electronics, children’s books, paper goods, room décor, social expressions, bikes, skateboards, and camping and fishing gear.

NERF: BRING YOUR “A GAME” OR STAY HOME

As NERF approaches its 40th anniversary next year, the brand continues to deliver action-packed fun from innovative footballs to tactical dart blasters for generations of energetic kids. This year’s licensing program will put NERF center field with the goal of building a winning global lifestyle sports property in 2008 and beyond. Fueled by the new look-and-feel of the brand which blends action, sports and edge, licensees have stepped up to the line to create incredibly fresh and hip products that scream “It’s NERF or Nothin’.”

Leading the momentum of the NERF licensing program will be the apparel line, particularly in the area of graphic t-shirts. Fortune Fashions will roll out cool and stylish tees for tween boys this summer with plans to broaden the assortment to include an array of other items such as hoodies and track pants in a multitude of colors and styles. Elan-Polo has also just released NERF-branded sports sandals bundled with a NERF ball – true inspiration to get kids up and moving.

For those who seek the ultimate immersive NERF experience, Electronic Arts (EA) is developing the first interactive NERF “N-STRIKE” video game bundle for the Wii™. Based on the NERF N-STRIKE toy line, players will blast their way through action-packed battles in single or multiplayer modes. The NERF SWITCH SHOT EX-3 add-on accessory, the first ever 2-in-1 toy and game peripheral, will be included in the bundle and allow players to convert a real Dart Blaster into a Wii Blaster controller, further immersing fans into the ultimate virtual NERF experience.

Performance Designed Products is also on deck to amp up the digital showdown with an expanded line of NERF-molded video game accessories. Sold under the Pelican brand name, the NERF Sports Pack (tennis racket, golf club and baseball bat), NERF Wireless Controller, NERF skins and NERF DS Case are already hugely popular among gamers.

Under pending contract, Promotional Partners Worldwide will boost adrenaline levels in sports fans allowing armchair quarterbacks to fire off their own winning touchdown pass and hoopsters to sink a three-pointer at the buzzer with NERF-branded footballs and basketballs emblazoned with logos of their favorite college teams.

Ripping a page from the NERF playbook, the Entertainment and Licensing team will continue to ink deals that will deliver innovative “permission to play” lifestyle products to consumers. Currently, there are pending agreements to create products in the categories of sports, publishing, electronics, seasonal, room décor, novelty and accessories.

LITTLEST PET SHOP: IT KEEPS GETTING BIGGER AND BIGGER

The lifestyle-focused licensing program behind LITTLEST PET SHOP, the fastest growing brand among girls according to dollar sales, is continuing to grow “paw over tail” with more than 160 deals signed across all categories worldwide. To say that girls just can’t get enough of LITTLEST PET SHOP would be an understatement. Hasbro has expanded its roster of licensees across all categories and girls can expect to be wowed with the lineup of new products due to hit retail shelves this year.

As an extension to the LITTLEST PET SHOP toy line, digital licensee EA will bring the magic of the property to life this fall with a series of video games for the Wii and Nintendo DS™ as well as the PC. Based on the platform, the interactive experience will allow girls to engage with 20-30 of the most popular pets in the collection by exploring three unique worlds, playing mini games, earning accessories and enjoying playsets from the 2008 toy line.

The LITTLEST PET SHOP apparel and accessories segment will soar in 2008 anchored by the largest graphic t-shirt line for girls in Hasbro’s history. With the help of Fortune Fashions and others, Hasbro’s goal is to continue to fill girls’ dresser drawers with cool and sassy tees until they overflow. For girls who also like to keep LITTLEST PET SHOP “under cover” Leeward International, Cooneen Textiles (UK), Handcraft, Berkshire Accessories and TMI Australasia (Australia) are on board to deliver sleepwear, underwear and socks. In addition, girls can decorate their rooms with an exciting line of LITTLEST PET SHOP bedding from Franco in France and Zap in the UK.

This year will also feature a large selection of bags for all occasions from FAB/Starpoint in the U.S. and other licensees in countries like France and Benelux. Adding to the dazzle of stepping out in high LITTLEST PET SHOP style, Flik Flak Group will unveil the first LITTLEST PET SHOP Swatch watch collection in the U.S., while Fantabijoux (France) and Little Concepts (UK, Holland, Germany, Austria and Switzerland) will roll out jewelry lines.

For girls who prefer an unplugged LITTLEST PET SHOP adventure, more than 20 new titles will be released in 2008 by Scholastic, Reader’s Digest and Bendon in North America and Latin America. Additionally, Scholastic plans to release its existing U.S. book catalog into the Australian and New Zealand markets this year. Eleven new book titles will be released by Editions Hemma (France) and Play Bac with an additional 10 to roll out from Ladybird/Penguin (UK). Five Mile Press (Australia) is also on board to release six new titles through 2009. Under pending agreements, the publishing program will also expand to Russia, Romania, Germany and Poland. Other publishing highlights include sticker and activity books from Panini (France), Redan (UK), Egmont International (Scandinavia, Poland), Noriel (Moldavia, Romania), and Big Balloon (Benelux). American Greetings will also develop LITTLEST PET SHOP greeting cards and party goods in 2008.

MY LITTLE PONY: IT’S ALWAYS PARTY DAY IN PONYVILLE

Twenty-five years and 40 million ponies later, MY LITTLE PONY remains a sweeping sensation among little girls around the world. This year, as candles are lit, cupcakes devoured and tea sipped in honor of the big birthday, the celebration will continue when THQ launches MY LITTLE PONY: Pinkie Pie’s Party on the Nintendo DS in the fall allowing girls to engage with the core cast of seven ponies while playing games and solving puzzles.

New stories will unfold as the publishing program continues to grow and thrive worldwide. With more than 24 million MY LITTLE PONY books sold since 2003, 18 new titles are planned for release in the U.S. with another 50 set for international debut this year from publishing houses, including Redan (UK), Pedigree Books Ltd. (UK), Panini (France), and Five Mile Press (Australia) with its highly anticipated Spring Tea Party book, as well as refreshing its entire back catalog of activity books. Distribution of the MY LITTLE PONY magazine has also been extended across all major territories in Europe including new partners in Eastern Europe. Additionally, American Greetings will continue to bring MY LITTLE PONY to life on a wide variety of social expressions products in 2008.

As a consistent top performer at key mass market retailers, MY LITTLE PONY graphic t-shirts from Fortune Fashions and apparel from Kids Headquarters continue to move off the shelves and onto the backs of girls of all ages. That program, along with underwear lines from Fruit of the Loom, which are also top-sellers at mass retailers, will expand in 2008 to feature new styles and logo treatments. Rounding out the MY LITTLE PONY fashion show will be jewelry by Little Concepts (UK).

MY LITTLE PONY apparel deals are also expanding on the international front. BC International (UK) will launch a new line of graphic tees for women, Silverknit (UK) will deliver adult sleepwear and underwear, Smith & Brooks (UK) is creating apparel and footwear lines, Cooneen Textiles (UK) will roll out sleepwear, Funtastic (Australia) is expanding its range in footwear and bedding, and TMI Australasia continues to dominate the Australian market with underwear and sleepwear. In addition, Carel (France), Madness Article (Spain), Santex (Benelux), Studiokids (Eastern Europe), and Cookie Company (Benelux) are on board to deliver apparel goods this year.

TONKA: STILL GETTING DOWN AND DIRTY

Just as TONKA has grown from the original two trucks to a full line featuring 100s of trucks, vehicles and playsets over the past 60 years, Hasbro is continuing to bulldoze forward its licensing program supporting the brand that has been paving the way for boys to be boys for decades.

The latest licensing agreements inked by Hasbro will allow tots to dig into the dirt with outdoor toys from Debut Sports or go off-road in an electric vehicle from TGA Electronic. Under pending deals there will also be plenty of fun indoor play items coming to market in the UK, Russia and Australia that will occupy hours of little boys’ time.

Other TONKA-branded products on deck for 2008 include bedding from Caprice (Australia), retro tees and underwear from Design Works Clothing Co. PTY. Limited (Australia, New Zealand and South Africa), and baby wear from WILDCARD PTY. LTD. (Australia and New Zealand).

PLAYSKOOL: 80 YEARS OF BELIEVING IN PLAY

As Hasbro celebrates the 80th anniversary of PLAYSKOOL, its commitment to provide quality toys that enrich children while they play remains at the heart of the brand. Keeping in step with the PLAYSKOOL brand mantra, the Entertainment and Licensing division has put in place highly innovative programs that further entrench the brand with mom.

In 2008, Hasbro licensees will roll out a range of new PLAYSKOOL-branded products, from books to baby care items which will delight preschoolers and parents alike.

Little ones love a good story and the publishing program supporting the brand is going to deliver big this year. Featuring the fun, core cast of PLAYSKOOL characters from Digger the Dog to Tubby the Turtle, Kitty Kandu and Go Go Dino, Simon & Schuster has signed on to develop a new children’s book series that will commence with the release of the first five titles this fall.

For the youngest PLAYSKOOL consumer, the successful direct-to-retail baby care line at CVS/pharmacy stores will feature newly added items throughout 2008.

TRIVIAL PURSUIT: AMERICA PLAYS

Hasbro’s wildly popular TRIVIAL PURSUIT board game has been bringing people together and driving the quest for wedges for 25 years. As the brand celebrates its silver anniversary, fans of the game will now have an opportunity to really get into the action this fall with TRIVIAL PURSUIT: America Plays, a television-based game show to be developed and distributed by Debmar-Mercury.

The TRIVIAL PURSUIT: America Plays game show has been designed to rely on user-generated content allowing viewers to submit TRIVIAL PURSUIT video questions that will in turn be asked of contestants. If the question is selected and stumps the contestant, the user who submitted the question can earn cash.

Ninety percent of the U.S. has been cleared for the fall launch in syndication of TRIVIAL PURSUIT: America Plays with FOX affiliates in eight of the top 10 markets thus far including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Baltimore. Stations from Cox Broadcasting, CBS, Belo, Gannett, Scripps, Raycom Media and Weigel Broadcasting are also signed up for the fall broadcast.

MONOPOLY: OWN THE FUN – ANYTIME, ANYPLACE

It promises to be a very exciting year for one of the best-selling board game brands of all time – MONOPOLY. The highly anticipated release of MONOPOLY Here & Now: The World Edition is slated for August in 50 countries and 37 languages, and several licensing programs supporting the brand are already in place to ratchet up the fun for fans around the world.

In a crowded graphic t-shirt market, MONOPOLY continues to resonate with consumers of all ages. From tees placed in the mass market by Fortune Fashions and in specialty stores by Junkfood Clothing to the highly successful direct-to-retail agreement with Steve & Barry’s, fans keep expanding their MONOPOLY wardrobe.

In the digital arena, EA has released a variety of MONOPOLY digital game experiences for the iPod® and mobile handsets allowing players to own it all, anytime, anyplace. In addition, later this fall MONOPOLY comes to the Wii, PlayStation®2 and Xbox 360™ consoles. The MONOPOLY games are just the tip of the iceberg with EA, which secured the digital rights to 100s of Hasbro brands. Video games are also currently under development for next generation consoles, PC, mobile, handheld and online for SCRABBLE (for the U.S. and Canada), YAHTZEE, TRIVIAL PURSUIT, and OPERATION.

Hasbro is also continuing to expand its reach into non-traditional channels through an ongoing global agreement with Scientific Games for MONOPOLY as well as almost 20 other Hasbro brands to appear on a wide range of lottery platforms including instant and pull-tab tickets, on-line terminal generated games, mobile, Internet and interactive TV. Today, MONOPOLY remains the No. 1 licensed brand available for worldwide lotteries. In addition, WMS Gaming has been manufacturing MONOPOLY slot machines for more than 10 years and its latest games, MONOPOLY Big Event and MONOPOLY Up, Up & Away, are now staples at many of the world’s top casinos.

Other Hasbro Game highlights include the six-year strategic partnership with Universal Pictures to produce at least four motion pictures based on some of Hasbro’s best-known and beloved brands. Also under pending agreements, several international promotions will also be executed this year including Nestle Greece which would integrate TRIVIAL PURSUIT into select products distributed to grocery stores and MONOPOLY, TRIVIAL PURSUIT, TABOO and TWISTER getting TOTAL Cereal box time throughout France in summer 2008.

For the unplugged traveler, under a pending agreement, L.L. Bean would produce a compact SCRABBLE game that will be sold at retail and online later this year and MONOPOLY trivia books from Sterling Publishing are ideal for passing time while on the road. Hasbro has also started to build a strong licensing program supporting the newly acquired CRANIUM property.

ABOUT HASBRO

Hasbro (NYSE:HAS) is a worldwide leader in children's and family leisure time entertainment products and services, including the design, manufacture and marketing of games and toys ranging from traditional to high-tech. Both internationally and in the U.S., its PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, TIGER, CRANIUM and WIZARDS OF THE COAST brands and products provide the highest quality and most recognizable play experiences in the world. ©2008 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

SCRABBLE, the distinctive game board and letter tiles, and all associated logos are trademarks of Hasbro in the United States and Canada. Nintendo DS and Wii are trademarks of Nintendo.

Hasbro Buys Media Licences From TV Loonland

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: 37,689

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.

Hasbro Play Rewards

Date: Thursday, February 7th 2008 4:39pm CST
Categories: Toy News, Press Releases, Company News
Posted by: i_amtrunks | Credit(s): Hasbro.com

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Views: 22,631

Hasbro have announced a new promotion "Play Rewards".

You can receive up to $50 in Toy and Games rewards when you purchase Hasbro branded products, including Transformers.

To redeem your Rewards Points, you must mail in an order form as well as copies of your original store receipts.

The "Play Rewards" promotion runs from February 1 200 until March 23 2008, and is open to residents of the United States of America.

To check out the "Play rewards" website, please click here. To download the order form, please click here.

Transformers in the United Kingdom 2008

Date: Thursday, January 31st 2008 4:10pm CST
Categories: Toy News, Press Releases, Company News
Posted by: i_amtrunks | Credit(s): UK Toyfare

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Views: 29,552

A press release from the UK Toyfare has given some insights pertaining to the 2008 releases of Transformers: Animated and Universe toylines, and the Transformers: Animated Cartoon Series.

Details Announced in the Press Release include:
- Transformers: Animated will start Airing in the UK in March 2008, sometime close to Easter.
- The Transformers: Animated Toyline will be available Mid-Year
- The Universe Toy line will be available in Autumn-Winter 2008, with Beast Wars figures being alluded to (perhaps the Robot Heroes line BW figures?)
- Animated Toyline Prices will range from: £4.99 - £49.99
- Universe Toyline Prices will range from: £2.99 - £39.99

So some good news and bad news for UK Transformers Fans, with slightly longer delays on the release of the Animated Toyline.

To read the full press release, please click here.

US House of Rep's Passes New Bill for Toy Safety Regulation

Date: Thursday, December 20th 2007 12:33am CST
Categories: Toy News, Press Releases, Digital Media News
Posted by: Bed Bugs | Credit(s): Yahoo.com

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Views: 73,169

On Wednesday, the United States House of Representatives voted 407-0 in favor of a new bill regarding toy safety. The bill was created due to the lead fiasco, compliments of Mattel and other toy makers. Here's some of the highlights of the story posted at Yahoo.com.

"The House's bill would require a gradual reduction of lead content in children's products, with the limit going down to 100 parts per million effective four years after enactment."

Stricter regulations may cause toys in general to go up in price as it will be the corporations and factories that will have to monitor the products more closely.

"It would also require manufacturers to include tracking labels on products to speed recalls of toys for children aged 12 and younger, while mandating independent safety testing of toys by labs accredited by the CPSC."

Again, more costs. Transformers are marketed to the 5-12 age range. Also, the tracking labels on products does not state whether the labels will be just on the packaging of the products. Since most people do not keep their boxes, could we see additional markings showing up on the toys themselves?

"The bill would steadily increase the CPSC's budget to $100 million by fiscal 2011. Plus, it would raise penalties for failing to cooperate with the CPSC to $10 million from the current $1.25 million, while giving the beleaguered agency $20 million to modernize its toy-testing laboratory."

Currently, the Senate is also looking into the bill as well. We'll keep you posted regarding this bill as it moves from the Senate to the White House.

Hasbro CEO Al Verrecchia Speaks Out On Lead Paint Concerns

Date: Friday, October 12th 2007 3:21pm CDT
Categories: Toy News, Press Releases, People News, Company News
Posted by: Air Commander Starscream | Credit(s): Hasbro.com

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Recently in the news there has been a lot of talk of lead paint contaminations, recalls and voluntary recalls of certain toys from China. This has mainly effected the Mattel company whose main toy lines are Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher Price and many more. As this threat of lead paint is on many consumers minds, CEO of Hasbro Al Verrecchia has issued a statement on Hasbro.com. Mr. Verrecchia states Hasbro's commitment to quality products, and what Hasbro does to ensure the safety of all it;s products.


Letter from Al Verrecchia
Statement on Toy Safety From Hasbro's Chief Executive Officer

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

As the President and Chief Executive Officer of Hasbro, no issue is more important to me than the safety of our toys and of the children who enjoy them.

At Hasbro, we are proud that our own safety standards meet or exceed all federal regulations and that we set the highest standards for our own factories as well as our vendors wherever they may be located, including China. We are also proud that none of our toys or games was affected by the recent recalls related to lead paint.

To ensure compliance with our high standards, Hasbro requires tests and quality control checks at multiple stages of the manufacturing process. These procedures, which have been in place for many years, have always included - and continue to include - independent, third-party testing of our products.

Specific to the issue of lead paint: paints used on Hasbro products are tested and inspected before application on our products. We test the same paints during various stages of production, including on finished product as it leaves the production line and before it gets shipped.

In an abundance of caution, we are taking additional steps as part of our thorough proprietary safety procedures to confirm that our procedures are being adhered to and that we are doing everything possible to make the safest toys for your children. For example, we have increased the frequency of our product testing. We have also stepped up inspections of all of our products both in our company-owned plants in the United States and Ireland, as well as our vendors in China, and we will continue to make more frequent, unannounced visits.

Overseeing this effort is a team of full-time Hasbro quality control engineers and inspectors based in Hong Kong and China. These employees, who are part of Hasbro's U.S.-based global quality assurance team, are often present on the factory floors of our vendors to confirm the quality and safety of our products.

We hope this gives you a better understanding of Hasbro's quality control programs and the many steps we take to ensure the safety of our toys so that you can continue to purchase them with confidence. While I can't guarantee that a recall won't ever happen, I can promise that we are taking every possible precaution. What I can say, however, is that if an issue of product safety should arise, we will address it quickly, openly and decisively.

I would also like you to know that we maintain a strong working relationship with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Our in-house product safety experts interact regularly with CPSC officials to share information regarding our products and practices.

We continue to take the safety of our children - mine and yours - very seriously. That's my commitment to you - as a CEO, as a parent, and as a grandparent.

Sincerely,

Al Verrecchia
Chief Executive Officer



You can see the original statement here.