Description:
Hasbro, Inc. is an American multinational toy manufacturing and entertainment company founded on December 6, 1923, by Henry, Hillel, and Herman Hassenfeld. The company is headquartered in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Hasbro owns brands such as Kenner, Milton Bradley, Parker Brothers, and Wizards of the Coast.The majority of shares are held by large financial institutions.
Hasbro's products include Transformers, G.I. Joe, Power Rangers, Monopoly, Furby, Nerf, Mr. Potato Head, Ouija boards, Play-Doh, Twister, and My Little Pony. With the acquisition of Entertainment One in December 2019, franchises like Peppa Pig and PJ Masks were added to the portfolio. Hasbro also promotes its products through TV shows like Family Game Night on the Discovery Family network. Entertainment One was sold to Lionsgate on December 27, 2023, but Hasbro retained E1's family brands and certain stakes, placing them into a new subsidiary called Hasbro Entertainment.
History:
- Hassenfeld Brothers: The company was founded in 1923 by three Polish-Jewish brothers in Providence, Rhode Island, initially selling textile remnants. They later produced school supplies and primarily became a toy company in 1942. Their first popular toy was Mr. Potato Head, acquired in 1952.
- Expansion: In 1968, the name was shortened to Hasbro Industries. In the 1970s, Hasbro bought Burt Claster Enterprises and diversified into various areas like kindergartens and cookware, although some products like Javelin Darts and The Hypo-Squirt faced setbacks. G.I. Joe was redesigned to be less militaristic.
- Hasbro: Renamed simply Hasbro in 1985, the company experienced great success with product lines like Transformers and My Little Pony. In the 1980s, Hasbro expanded internationally and through acquisitions of companies like Milton Bradley and Parker Brothers. In 1991, Hasbro bought Tonka Corp. along with Parker Brothers and Kenner Products.
- 21st Century: Hasbro focused on media and digital markets, founding Hasbro Studios in 2009 and forming partnerships for film and TV production. In 2018, Hasbro acquired Power Rangers and other entertainment assets from Saban Brands.
German Representation:
Hasbro is also active in Germany and has a strong presence in the German toy market. The German branch ensures the adaptation of global products to the local market and supports marketing and sales activities in the region. Through strategic partnerships and a dedicated local team, Hasbro has steadily expanded its market position in Germany and is an important contact point for retailers and consumers alike.