After the Star Wars buyout, I read the Hasbro buyout rumor, and thought it sounded like something someone made up. The timing just felt unbelievable.
remember that one time there were lots of people in the rumour thread saying it was bogus and it was nothing to get worried about? yea...
It seemed like a strategically odd decision for Disney. They would go from an entertainment company that markets its own toy lines as an offshoot of its entertainment properties, to all of a sudden an inverse model where they would own a toy company that just happens to have a few entertainment properties. Again, Disney has its own toy and merchandising down pretty well with- from what I can tell- not any major competition from the likes of Hasbro. The Disney/Lucas marriage seemed much more organic as they have been 'in bed' together for many years- with Captain EO, Star Tours, and the various Disney/Star War mash ups. Hasbro on the other hand has its own thing going on as well just in a different way- invariably supporting larger entertainment properties that in most cases (at least these days) they did not originate (i.e., Star Wars, Marvel, etc.) and although there is crossover (obviously Hasbro produces Star Wars merch) I just don't see Disney buying a straight up toy company. Especially if their reason for doing so would be to acquire the Transformers brand for the most part. Although a strong brand with fans worldwide its current market strength is based mostly on the movies with the toys an ancillary. For the most part Disney functions the other way round with movies their bread and butter and toys/merchandising not their main business (depending on who you ask). But anyway, I'm glad this turned out to be rumor. At least for now.
I'm relieved. I was afraid that if Disney bought Hasbro some of the more violent toy lines would be cancelled.
The fact so many people are willing to believe rumors like it's official statements around here...no wonder I usually stay out of news and rumors.
I'd liek to say I'm relieved but this wouldn't be the first time a company has come out to say not true only to turn around later and doa below the belt sell off kind deal....I'm still skeptical.