A buyout of Entertainment One from toy giant Hasbro now has Death Row Records and My Little Pony under one roof.
The global toymaker has announced a $4 billion plan to buy out Toronto-based multimedia company Thursday. It was explained as a way that adds preschool brands recognized around the world — such as My Little Pony and Peppa Pig — and heightens Hasbro’s storytelling abilities to include media like TV and film.
“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 a press release. “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.”
Yet while the acquisition talks up the excitement for enhancing the family aspect of the brand’s portfolio, Rolling Stone reported the buyout also means Hasbro, which also makes board games, is now the owner of Suge Knight–founded record label Death Row Records. The label was under eOne’s music division since 2013 after filing for bankruptcy in 2006. The mass media and entertainment brand’s 2013 financial report stated about $280 million was spent to purchase Death Row. But now the label that was famous for signees like Tupac and Snoop Dogg, as well as co-founder Dr. Dre, is aligned with the same brand that brought families Monopoly and kids Mr. Potato Head.
Upon news breaking of the contradictory brands colliding due to the buyout, social media users couldn’t help but let the jokes fly.
“Lmaoo My Little Death Row 💀😂”
“Hasbro is buying Deathrow Records. I’m worried about Mr. Potato head whenever Dre and Snoop get the munchies!”
“Peppa Pig about to be cussing and gang banging now.”
“I’m fully expecting Peppa to go all street now that Hasbro own Death Row records 😎😂😂”
“My little pony tunes bout to have your kids ready to stomp someone out 💀”
“Company went from Pablo Escobar to Sesame Street.”
