<p class="title">US toymaker Hasbro announced Thursday that it is acquiring studio Entertainment One, which owns popular cartoon series "Peppa Pig" among other children's content, for approximately USD 4 billion.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Under the all-cash transaction, Entertainment One shareholders will receive 5.6 pounds (USD 6.86) per share, according to a statement from Hasbro.</p>.<p class="bodytext">In addition to Peppa Pig, the popular swine with a British accent who loves jumping in muddy puddles, the purchase includes the successful children's cartoon "PJ Masks," about a trio of young friends who become superheroes at night.</p>.<p class="bodytext">"The acquisition of highly profitable and merchandisable preschool brands is a strategic growth opportunity for Hasbro," the company said. "Peppa Pig" has extended itself to new profit streams that continue its success, it added.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Meanwhile "PJ Masks" growth outlook "is supported by new formats, its current rollout in China, the launch of new seasons in multiple regions, a live touring event and new toy lines." Hasbro is additionally banking on the success of the launch of yet another Entertainment One character, Ricky Zoom, a little red rescue bike, which it calls a "unique storyline with highly merchandisable content." The cartoon will launch on September 9 on US children's network Nickelodeon, and in other major markets.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Hasbro plans for the acquisition to save it $130 million through in-sourcing and other synergies by the year 2022.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Three-quarters of the acquisition will be carried out with the proceeds of debt financing thanks to a loan of just under a year from Bank of America Merrill Lynch.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Approximately USD 1-USD 1.25 billion will be financed in cash. Hasbro said it is committed to doing everything within its power to maintain an investment-grade rating. </p>
<p class="title">US toymaker Hasbro announced Thursday that it is acquiring studio Entertainment One, which owns popular cartoon series "Peppa Pig" among other children's content, for approximately USD 4 billion.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Under the all-cash transaction, Entertainment One shareholders will receive 5.6 pounds (USD 6.86) per share, according to a statement from Hasbro.</p>.<p class="bodytext">In addition to Peppa Pig, the popular swine with a British accent who loves jumping in muddy puddles, the purchase includes the successful children's cartoon "PJ Masks," about a trio of young friends who become superheroes at night.</p>.<p class="bodytext">"The acquisition of highly profitable and merchandisable preschool brands is a strategic growth opportunity for Hasbro," the company said. "Peppa Pig" has extended itself to new profit streams that continue its success, it added.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Meanwhile "PJ Masks" growth outlook "is supported by new formats, its current rollout in China, the launch of new seasons in multiple regions, a live touring event and new toy lines." Hasbro is additionally banking on the success of the launch of yet another Entertainment One character, Ricky Zoom, a little red rescue bike, which it calls a "unique storyline with highly merchandisable content." The cartoon will launch on September 9 on US children's network Nickelodeon, and in other major markets.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Hasbro plans for the acquisition to save it $130 million through in-sourcing and other synergies by the year 2022.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Three-quarters of the acquisition will be carried out with the proceeds of debt financing thanks to a loan of just under a year from Bank of America Merrill Lynch.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Approximately USD 1-USD 1.25 billion will be financed in cash. Hasbro said it is committed to doing everything within its power to maintain an investment-grade rating. </p>