Fashion Dolls, Figures, and More Will Be
Available Fall 2012
PAWTUCKET, R.I.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Hasbro,
Inc. (NASDAQ:HAS) announced today it has entered into agreement with
worldwide musical sensation One Direction to produce a new line of toys
and games based on the members of the popular boy band. Quickly becoming
one of today's hottest musical groups, One Direction's debut album "Up
All Night," which features the hit songs "What Makes You Beautiful," and
"One Thing", rose swiftly to the top of pop charts across the world.
With a large, dedicated fan base, including more than 4.7 million
Facebook fans and 3.1 million Twitter followers, tickets for the group's
debut tour in the U.K. sold out within minutes prompting expansion into
tour dates in North America, Australia, and New Zealand.
"In the short time since the group's debut, One Direction has captured
the hearts of many young fans across the world. The band is poised for
continued and increasing global success," said John Frascotti, chief
marketing officer, Hasbro, Inc. "We are excited about the opportunity to
provide One Direction's very enthusiastic international fan base with a
diverse product line that captures the essence of the band members."
"With an impressive portfolio of toys, games, and entertainment based
products successfully marketed across the globe, Hasbro is the perfect
partner to help us reach One Direction fans in an exciting new way,"
said Barry Drinkwater, founder and owner, Global Merchandising Services,
Ltd.
"One Direction are thrilled to partner with Hasbro," said Will
Bloomfield, of Modest! Management. "Hasbro has a proven track record of
successfully working with artists to market music-related brands to kids
and teens around the world and both we and the band very much look
forward to working with them at this incredibly exciting time."
Featuring all five members of the popular boy band, the One Direction
product offering from Hasbro will be sold globally, with the exception
of the United Kingdom and Ireland, in the fall of 2012. The collection
will include fashion dolls, mini-figures, and more.
About Hasbro
Hasbro,
Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) is a branded play company providing children and
families around the world with a wide-range of immersive entertainment
offerings based on the Company's world class brand portfolio. From toys
and games, to television programming, motion pictures, digital gaming
and a comprehensive licensing program, Hasbro strives to delight its
global customers with innovative, well-known and beloved brands such as
TRANSFORMERS, LITTLEST PET SHOP, NERF, PLAYSKOOL, MY LITTLE PONY, G.I.
JOE, MAGIC: THE GATHERING and MONOPOLY. The Company's Hasbro Studios
develops and produces television programming for markets around the
world. Programming in the U.S. is distributed on The Hub TV Network, a
multi-platform joint venture between Hasbro and Discovery Communications
(NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK). Through the Company's deep commitment to
corporate social responsibility, including philanthropy, Hasbro is
helping to build a safe and sustainable world for future generations and
to positively impact the lives of millions of children and families
every year. It has been recognized for its efforts by being named one of
the "World's Most Ethical Companies" and is ranked as one of Corporate
Responsibility Magazine's "100 Best Corporate Citizens." Learn more at www.hasbro.com.
© 2012 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
HAS-G

Hasbro News Media:
Julie Duffy, 401-727-5931
jduffy@hasbro.com
or
Hasbro
Investors:
Debbie Hancock, 401-727-5401
dhancock@hasbro.com
Source: Hasbro, Inc.
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