Hasbro buys back branded TV programming
By Staff -- Playthings, 5/14/2008 9:13:00 AM
PAWTUCKET, R.I.—Hasbro has reacquired worldwide distribution rights to the Sunbow library of Hasbro-related programming from TV-Loonland for an undisclosed sum.
Under the terms of the deal, Hasbro has regained ownership of nearly 1,000 episodes of TV programming featuring more than 30 of the toymaker’s key brands, including G.I. Joe, Transformers, My Little Pony, Littlest Pet Shop, Mr. Potato Head and Connect Four. The acquisition effectively doubles Hasbro’s content library to nearly 2,000 episodes of programming.
“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,” said Brian Goldner, Hasbro’s chief operating officer. “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.”
TV-Loonland CEO Simon Flamank called the deal “mutually beneficial.”
“It allows us to repay the majority of our outstanding debt and invest in new strategic opportunities, while providing Hasbro with the ability to bring its world-class brands to diverse audiences in new and entertaining ways,” he said.
TV-Loonland is a brand management company focused primarily on the children's and youth market. It’s focus is “high-quality content,” which it develops and produces in house as well as co-produces with third party producers and partners. The company is headquartered in Munich, Germany. It maintains U.S. offices in Miami.
