Hasbro completes acquisition of Entertainment One (eOne)

The owner of such recognizable brands as My Little Pony and Peppa Pig, has completed the acquisition of Entertainment One (eOne), adding its preschool content to both television and film.

The North American Hasbro, owner of brands as recognizable as My Little Pony o Peppa Pig, has completed the acquisition of the British Entertainment One (eOne), adding its preschool content to both television and film.

Brian Goldner, chairman and CEO of Hasbro, is excited "about what we can do together and we see tremendous opportunity for shareholder value creation through this acquisition. Our businesses are highly complementary with substantial synergies and a strong cultural fit. The addition of eOne accelerates our strategic plans by expanding our brand portfolio with eOne's beloved global preschool brands, adding proven expertise in television and film, and creating additional opportunities for long-term profitable growth. We are pleased to welcome the incredibly talented eOne team to our company.”

Darren Throop, president and CEO of eOne, will report to Goldner. Additionally, Olivier Dumont, president of eOne family and brands, Steve Bertram, president of film and television, and Chris Taylor, global president of music, will also join Hasbro, reporting to Throop.

The all-cash transaction is valued at approximately £2.9 billion (approximately $3.8 billion), based on consideration of £5.60 per eOne ordinary share. Hasbro also expects to redeem eOne's outstanding senior secured notes and repay outstanding debt under eOne's revolving credit facility, which together represent approximately £0.6 billion of eOne's debt.