Hasbro Buys Dualtone, Death Row Owner eOne For $4B Cash

UPDATED: Hasbro has acquired Entertainment One in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $4 billion. The multi-platform entertainment company is home to the popular children's franchises Peppa Pig and PJ Masks, as well as one of the largest independent music companies in North America.

eOne's music division includes 150 artists and record labels Dualtone, Last Gang, Light Records and Death Row, as well as management, music publishing, and a live entertainment divisions. Helmed by Chris Taylor, eOne Music has offices in Toronto, Victoria, LA, New York, Nashville, Hamburg, Munich, Paris, London, Tokyo, Sydney, Melbourne and Amsterdam. 

Toymaker Hasbro sees $4 billion in value in eOne's children's brands and expertise in video, film and TV. Where the music division and artists that include Lumineers, Death From Above and Snoop Dogg fit, is less clear.

“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 officer. “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 realize full franchise economics across our blueprint strategy for shareholders. We are excited to welcome eOne’s talented employees from around the world into the Hasbro family.”

Under the terms of the agreement, eOne shareholders will receive $6.84 in cash for each common share of eOne, which represents a 31% premium to eOne’s 30-day volume-weighted average price.