US toy maker Hasbro buys Peppa Pig owner Entertainment One for £3.3bn

Owner of Monopoly and My Little Pony buys out UK-listed firm

Friday 23 August 2019 07:42 BST
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As well as Peppa Pig, Entertainment One produces other children's cartoons including PJ Masks and new preschool series Ricky Zoom
As well as Peppa Pig, Entertainment One produces other children's cartoons including PJ Masks and new preschool series Ricky Zoom

US toy maker Hasbro has bought the UK-listed owner of Peppa Pig for about £3.3bn.

The deal is the latest in a string of foreign purchases of UK-listed firms and comes days after pub chain Greene King was bought by Hong Kong real estate group CKA for £4.6bn.

Hasbro, maker of Monopoly and My Little Pony, said that the move to buy Entertainment One would “dramatically enhance” its storytelling capabilities.

As well as Peppa Pig, Entertainment One produces other children's cartoons including PJ Masks and new preschool series Ricky Zoom.

“The acquisition of eOne adds beloved story-led global family brands that deliver strong operating returns to Hasbro's portfolio and provides a pipeline of new brand creation driven by family-oriented storytelling, which will now include Hasbro's IP,” said Brian Goldner, Hasbro chairman and chief executive.

“In addition, Hasbro will leverage eOne's immersive entertainment capabilities to bring our portfolio of brands that have appeal to gamers, fans and families to all screens globally and realise full franchise economics across our blueprint strategy for shareholders.”

Under the terms of the agreement, Entertainment One shareholders will receive £5.60 in cash for each common share.

Peppa Pig, which follows the life of a pink cartoon pig and her family, has been translated into more than 40 languages and is broadcast in more than 180 territories.

A joint statement by Entertainment One and Hasbro said the show had “thrived for over a decade” and “extended itself to new profit streams that continue its success”.

PJ Masks also continues to grow, the statement said, with new seasons being launched, new toy lines and a live touring event.

Darren Throop, chief executive of Entertainment One, said there was a “strong cultural fit” between the two companies.

The deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter of the year.

PA

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