2011 Top 100: Toys/Games
Mattel Inc.
Since Mattel already marketed many Thomas & Friends toy products under a license from HIT Entertainment, it seemed only natural that it would acquire the company, adding the Thomas & Friends brand to an iconic brand lineup, including Barbie and Hot Wheels. The $680-million agreement brought Mattel more than $180 million of revenues from HIT, representing one of the largest independent owners of preschool intellectual property. In addition, Mattel rolled out a new brand, Monster High, across a number of diverse consumer products categories simultaneously at launch.
Since Mattel already marketed many Thomas & Friends toy products under a license from HIT Entertainment, it seemed only natural that it would acquire the company, adding the Thomas & Friends brand to an iconic brand lineup, including Barbie and Hot Wheels. The $680-million agreement brought Mattel more than $180 million of revenues from HIT, representing one of the largest independent owners of preschool intellectual property. In addition, Mattel rolled out a new brand, Monster High, across a number of diverse consumer products categories simultaneously at launch.