Can you make fun-filled and enjoyable toys for children AND own the catalog to hip-hop’s most notorious label? Well, this just happened when Hasbro, the world’s largest toymaker, became the new owner of Death Row Records.
By virtue of Hasbro completing the purchase of Entertainment One (eOne), Hasbro now owns eOne music subsidiary Dualtone as well as the catalog of Death Row Records, which it purchased in 2013.
“We are excited about what we can do together and see tremendous opportunity for shareholder value creation through this acquisition,” said Brian Goldner, Hasbro chairman and chief executive officer through a press release. “Our businesses are highly complementary with substantial synergies and a great cultural fit. The addition of eOne accelerates our blueprint strategy by expanding our brand portfolio with eOne’s beloved global preschool brands, adding proven TV and film expertise, and creating additional opportunities for long-term profitable growth. We are pleased to welcome the incredibly talented eOne team to our Company.”
The total cash consideration was approximately $3.8 billion. The company placed an announcement on its Instagram account, “We are excited to announce that we are One Hasbro.”
Death Row Records was started by Marion “Suge” Knight and Andre “Dr. Dre” Young in 1991. The label was once a home for artists Dr. Dre, Snoop Doggy Dogg. Michel’le, Tupac, Nate Dogg, Tha Dogg Pound, and MC Hammer. Soundtracks for the movies Above The Rim, Gridlock’d, and Gang Related were also distributed by Death Row Records. Death Row Records had filed for bankruptcy back in 2006. WIDEawake Entertainment initially bought the label in 2009 for $18 million before selling it to Entertainment One for approximately $280 million for the full catalog in 2013.
Hasbro is “a global play and entertainment company committed to Creating the World’s Best Play and Entertainment Experiences. From toys and games to television, movies, digital gaming and consumer products, Hasbro offers a variety of ways for audiences to experience its iconic brands, including NERF, MY LITTLE PONY, TRANSFORMERS, PLAY-DOH, MONOPOLY, BABY ALIVE, MAGIC: THE GATHERING and POWER RANGERS, as well as premier partner brands. Through its entertainment labels, Allspark Pictures and Allspark Animation, the Company is building its brands globally through great storytelling and content on all screens.”