USA/Canada: eOne Shareholders Vote to Approve Acquisition by Hasbro

During a special meeting held on Thursday last week, 99.9 percent of the shareholders of Canada-based Entertainment One film and television production company (eOne; rights owner of the “Peppa Pig” IP, amongst others) voted to approve the proposal of US toy and board game manufacturer Hasbro to acquire eOne in an all-cash transaction. The value of the take-over is estimated at approx. 3.3 billion to four billion USD (three to 3.6 billion EUR).

“We’re pleased that eOne shareholders support this transaction. Our two companies‘ strategies are remarkably complementary, as we both build brands, creativity and storytelling. Together with eOne’s beloved global brands and expertise, we expect to leverage a combined portfolio with appeal to diverse audiences and consumers around the world,” says Brian Goldner, Chairman and CEO of Hasbro.

Darren Throop, CEO of eOne, adds, “In our commitment to unlocking the power and value of creativity, the combination of our two businesses makes perfect sense […]. eOne has long been anchored by great IP, and we believe that with Hasbro’s world-class portfolio of brands we will be able to deliver on their brand blueprint with a slate of content that lives globally across a broad spectrum of media. We are very much looking forward to capitalizing on the new opportunities this creates across film, television, music and family brands.”

The transaction remains subject to receipt of certain regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions and is expected to be closed during the fourth quarter of 2019. (eap)