By Karina Masolova, karina@plainlanguagemedia.com In the face of a $400 million debt due in 2018, Toys 'R' Us has retained a law firm to help restructure its financial obligations. The toy retailer has not ruled out bankruptcy as part of its plan, and is also looking at obtaining additional financing. TRU is also continuing to work with financial advisory firm Lazard, which … [Read more...] about TRU’s Debt & Other Toy/Game News
Mergers & Acquisitions
M&A & Investments
Discovery Communications will buy Scripps Networks Interactive for $11.9 billion early next year. The deal includes the assumption of $2.7 billion of Scripps’s net debt. Hasbro ends talks to buy out Lions Gate Entertainment, reportedly because of price disagreements. This comes after ultimately failed negotiations to buy out DreamWorks Animation in 2014, which was ultimately … [Read more...] about M&A & Investments
Mergers & Acquisitions
Phoenix Asset Management increases its stake in Hornby Hobbies to over 70% after increasing its stake to over 50% last month. Italian toy manufacturer Giochi Preziosi sells its 50% stake in Prenatal Retail Group to Artsana, giving Artsana full ownership of European retail brands brands Toy Centre, King Jouet, Prenatal, and Bimbostore. The deal is estimated to be worth 105 … [Read more...] about Mergers & Acquisitions
M&A & New Media
Hasbro launches its first-ever subscription service in April with the Gaming Crate, priced at $49.99 per crate, plus shipping. Each box includes three curated games that are new to the Hasbro Gaming portfolio. The crates fall into two themes: Family, which offers games designed to be played together by kids and adults, and Party, which contains games geared towards adult game … [Read more...] about M&A & New Media
M&A: Coach, Pokémon & DHX
DHX Media acquires the entertainment division of Iconix Brand Group for $345 million, which includes a both an 80% controlling interest in Peanuts and 100% of Strawberry Shortcake. The remaining 20% interest in Peanuts will continue to be held by members of the family of Charles M. Schulz. The transaction is expected to close on or around June 30, 2017. The deal will give the … [Read more...] about M&A: Coach, Pokémon & DHX
M&A Shorts
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) and Aramark partner to provide retail merchandise services for the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, home of the US Open. Under the multi-year agreement, Aramark will manage all aspects of the US Open Tennis Championships’ retail sales and merchandising operations throughout the grounds of the National Tennis Center. … [Read more...] about M&A Shorts
M&A Shorts
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) and Aramark partner to provide retail merchandise services for the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, home of the US Open. Under the multi-year agreement, Aramark will manage all aspects of the US Open Tennis Championships’ retail sales and merchandising operations throughout the grounds of the National Tennis Center. … [Read more...] about M&A Shorts
M&A Shorts
In an interview with Bloomberg, Verizon CEO Lowell McAdam reveals that the company is open to M&A talks with companies like CBS, Comcast, and Disney—in other words, a deal similar to the AT&T/Time Warner merger. MG Retailer reports that the average cannabis dispensary generates 2–3% of total revenue from sales of accessories and merchandise. The hottest items? Bob … [Read more...] about M&A Shorts
M&A & Legal
Mattel Creations appoints ProjectFirst and Little Dot Studios to manage its AVOD platforms and grow channel subscribers for its brands in Russia and France, respectively. Spin Master sues Chinese manufacturer, Dongguan Moral Region Co. Ltd., for an alleged patent infringement against its Hatchimals toy. MCM Comic Con owner, MCM Central, takes a major stake in children’s … [Read more...] about M&A & Legal
M&A: Agents Expand While Rovio Divests
DHX Media-owned CPLG (Copyright Promotions Licensing Group) forms a strategic alliance with Latin America’s Tycoon Group. The alliance will strengthen both companies’ regional licensing activities and maximize branding opportunities across a combined network of EMEA, North America, and Latin America. The world’s largest licensing agent, CAA-GBG, expands the design capabilities … [Read more...] about M&A: Agents Expand While Rovio Divests