Thomas and HIT Entertainment sold to Mattell

sbhunterca · **Joined:** Sun Aug 22, 2004 7:58 am **Posts:** 728

Hi, All:

The BBC is reporting that toy maker Mattell has purchased HIT Entertainment.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-15430842

Has anybody seen changes in relation to gift shop merchandise, DOWT arrangements, pricing, etc. yet?

Steve Hunter
Cardinal, Ontario

Bob Lyndall · **Posted:** Wed Oct 26, 2011 3:25 pm

sbhunterca wrote:

Has anybody seen changes in relation to gift shop merchandise, DOWT arrangements, pricing, etc. yet?

Such changes, if any, might take a bit longer than the two days it's been since the announcement of the sale/purchase.

Just my uneducated guess mind you.

k5ahudson · **Joined:** Tue Aug 24, 2004 6:30 am **Posts:** 773

I heard about this a couple of weeks ago. We're waiting to see how it is going to effect Day Out With Thomas.

Mike Swanson · **Posted:** Wed Oct 26, 2011 8:21 pm

If Mattell has any sense, they'll not make any changes until they've fully researched what impact those changes will have on the Thomas franchise. I wouldn't expect to see anything happen for a few weeks, at least.

Brian Norden · **Posted:** Wed Oct 26, 2011 10:20 pm

Here is the write-up from the Los Angeles Times about Mattel buying HIT.

Mattel buying Thomas the Tank Engine's parent

Mattel is headquartered in El Segundo, one of the many cities that make up the greater Los Angeles area.

tomgears · **Posted:** Thu Oct 27, 2011 10:14 am

I'm sure the DOWT contracts for current events have been signed many moons ago. Those contracts would have to be honored. Look for changes, if any, next season.

k5ahudson · **Joined:** Tue Aug 24, 2004 6:30 am **Posts:** 773

tomgears wrote:

I'm sure the DOWT contracts for current events have been signed many moons ago. Those contracts would have to be honored. Look for changes, if any, next season.

We have no contract for 2012 yet, but we are expecting it soon. DOWT is a money maker. I'm sure Mattel is not going to pull the plug suddenly.