Hasbro Deal for DreamWorks Killed by the Mouse

When Hasbro’s potential acquisition of DreamWorks Animation died last week, it may have been the Mouse that killed it. Reports have surfaced that Disney executives strongly disapproved of the deal. Disney licenses (including Star Wars and Marvel) are responsible for as much as a third of Hasbro’s revenue.

During the negotiations, an anonymous letter was sent to media outlets and Disney with inside information on DreamWorks’ release schedule. Disney notified Hasbro that the company would be considered a competitor if it proceeded with the acquisition.