HASBRO ADDS eONE TO ITS TOYBOX

Hasbro, the massive toy brand that brought you My Little Pony, Peppa Pig, Nerf and other cherished products of childhood (and owner of copyrights like Play-Doh and Monopoly), has my-little-ponied up $4 billion to buy Entertainment One (aka eOne).

eOne shareholders will get a tasty stock price as part of the deal. The multi-faceted entertainment company's music holdings include not only Dualtone (home of The Lumineers) but also Death Row Records, inspiring some to wonder about a dark new take in Peppa's image.

Hasbro overlord Brian Goldner issued a statement from his executive playroom, declaring, "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. 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. Now we just have to get Peppa Pig to sign off on everything, and it's off to the races."

Added eOne chief Darren Throop: "Hasbro’s portfolio of integrated toy, game and consumer products, will further fuel the tremendous success we’ve achieved at eOne. There’s a strong cultural fit between our two companies; eOne’s stated mission is to unlock the power and value of creativity which aligns with Hasbro’s corporate objectives."

A vigorous intermural game of nerf dodgeball ensued.