Hasbro Licensing Expanding in European Markets

LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Hasbro, Inc. HAS is set to arrive at Brand Licensing Europe (BLE) in London on October 16 to showcase its global powerhouse brands, including TRANSFORMERS, MY LITTLE PONY, LITTLEST PET SHOP, TONKA, and FURBY. Positioned as the No. 7 global licensor, based on annual retail sales, Hasbro continues to expand its retail presence in new and emerging markets throughout Europe with innovative and trend-forward licensing programs across many licensing categories. This growth has been driven by Hasbro expanding its U.K. and France licensing teams while at the same time opening new offices and further developing relationships with leading retailers in Russia, Germany, Poland, Turkey, and Spain over the past year.

“Hasbro has significantly increased its presence throughout Europe as a stand-out innovator and mega licensor,” said Simon Waters, Senior Vice President, Global Licensing and Publishing at Hasbro. “Consumers can expect to see a broad and impressive line-up of licensed merchandise landing on store shelves this year, which is a direct result of Hasbro expanding its presence in key European regions with new offices, expanded teams and flawless execution of signing deals with market-leading licensees.”

This year's BLE highlights underscore Hasbro's global momentum in key licensing categories, including apparel, consumer electronics, digital gaming, home, food, and toys.

TRANSFORMERS

Hasbro's iconic TRANSFORMERS brand has become one of the most successful entertainment franchises of the 21^st century and features the heroic AUTOBOTS and the villainous DECEPTICONS engaged in an epic battle on multiple storytelling platforms including film, television, digital gaming, and theme parks. Hasbro will continue to provide its broad TRANSFORMERS fan base with high value, age-appropriate licensed merchandise across categories such as digital gaming, including an exciting new MMO from Jagex scheduled for release in 2013, toys, apparel, sporting goods and more. The TRANSFORMERS PRIME animated series continues to roll out on Cartoon Network across Europe with Seasons 2 and 3 in 2012 and 2013, continuing the successful affiliation with the leading boys action network.

MY LITTLE PONY

The MY LITTLE PONY franchise continues to be a worldwide favorite with fans of all ages, largely energized by the global popularity of the MY LITTLE PONY FRIENDSHIP IS MAGIC animated series, produced by Hasbro Studios. The brand is set to arrive on digital platforms, including apps and storybooks across Europe in 2013. The extensive MY LITTLE PONY merchandising program reaches across all major categories including apparel, toys and accessories with new ranges released this season.

FURBY

The furry interactive electronic friend that was a “must-have” item in the late 1990s and sold more than 40 million units globally in its first three years is back on store shelves now in North America, Australia and the U.K. with additional markets to follow. The return of FURBY will be supported by a worldwide licensing program that spans key licensed categories from apparel to home decor, party goods, food and beverage and sporting goods will be sold at hypermarket and specialty stores as well as wholesalers throughout Europe. The first wave of merchandise is set to arrive at retail in the U.K., Spain, Portugal, France, Poland, Turkey, and Russia this autumn.

LITTLEST PET SHOP

Ranked as one of the toy industry's top brands for girls, as well as one of the hottest lifestyle properties, the demand for LITTLEST PET SHOP remains strong in 2012 with licensed products in more than 20 categories, including apparel, accessories, and home decor. This momentum will continue throughout the year as tween girls eagerly await the launch of the new Hasbro Studio animated series that centers on the life of a fun-loving, human character, Blythe and a core cast of little pets with big personalities that she befriends at the LITTLEST PET SHOP. The series is slated to premiere later this year in the U.S., with expected international expansion to follow in 2013.

TONKA

With 98 percent brand awareness and more than 250 million trucks sold since its launch in 1947, it is clear why the TONKA brand is synonymous with durability. The 65-year old brand remains the rite of passage for every young boy, and even more exciting TONKA fueled adventures are on the near horizon through a licensing program with HTI, the top U.K. designer and manufacturer of children's toys, that will bring to market a new segment of TONKA TOWN vehicles, playsets and figures. The new line will be based on emergency services and construction themes that appeal to the rough and tumble four to six year-old boy.

About Hasbro

Hasbro, Inc. HAS is a branded play company providing children and families around the world with a wide-range of immersive entertainment offerings based on the Company's world class brand portfolio. From toys and games, to television programming, motion pictures, digital gaming and a comprehensive licensing program, Hasbro strives to delight its global customers with innovative, well-known and beloved brands such as TRANSFORMERS, LITTLEST PET SHOP, NERF, PLAYSKOOL, MY LITTLE PONY, G.I. JOE, MAGIC: THE GATHERING and MONOPOLY. The Company's Hasbro Studios develops and produces television programming for markets around the world. The Hub TV Network is part of a multi-platform joint venture between Hasbro and Discovery Communications DISCA DISCB, DISCK), in the U.S. Through the company's deep commitment to corporate social responsibility, including philanthropy, Hasbro is helping to build a safe and sustainable world for future generations and to positively impact the lives of millions of children and families every year. It has been recognized for its efforts by being named one of the “World's Most Ethical Companies” and is ranked as one of Corporate Responsibility Magazine's “100 Best Corporate Citizens.” Learn more at www.hasbro.com.

© 2012 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

HAS-LIC

Editors' Note: Licensor ranking based on License Global! Top 125 Global Licensors, May 2012.