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Extension Gives Hasbro Toy and Game Rights to a Vast Portfolio of Super Hero Franchises in a Wide Range of Key Categories Hasbro, Inc., Marvel Entertainment, Inc. and Spider-Man Merchandising L.P. announced today that Hasbro will retain rights through 2017 to make toys and games based on new Marvel and Columbia Pictures theatrical releases and on Marvel’s globally popular portfolio of Super Hero brands, including franchises such as Spider-Man, Iron Man, the Avengers, X-Men, Thor and Captain America. As part of the new agreement (the current agreement runs through 2011), Hasbro will continue to hold the global rights (excluding Japan) to develop products based on Marvel’s globally-known universe of more than 5,000 characters and Spider-Man Merchandising’s film and television properties in a wide range of toy and game categories, including action figures, role play and preschool toys, board games and puzzles. The new agreement covers both the “classic” comic book look of the characters as well as product lines inspired by television and films. The license extension guarantees $100 million in royalties with the potential to earn up to an additional $140 million in royalty guarantees, contingent upon the release during the extension period of Marvel character based films that satisfy certain criteria. In 2009, Hasbro is bringing to market a line of products based on the upcoming May 1 release of the movie X-Men Origins: Wolverine, as well as great classic lines behind Spider-Man, Iron Man, Super Hero Squad & the Marvel Universe. Hasbro is also planning product and marketing programs based on several upcoming releases like Iron Man 2, Thor, The First Avenger: Captain America, and The Avengers. “Hasbro is thrilled to extend our relationship with Marvel and Spider-Man Merchandising through 2017,” said Brian Goldner, Hasbro’s President and CEO. “Through the years, Hasbro has consistently stayed on strategy as a brand driven company focused on our Hasbro brands, while selectively aligning ourselves with the best possible global licenses. As we’ve seen over the past several years, our licensing arrangement with Marvel and Spider-Man Merchandising gives Hasbro an even greater opportunity to expand our leadership position in the boys category.” |
