Transformers Press Releases News on Seibertron.com

Hasbro wins legal battle against bootlegs in China

Date: Sunday, December 30th 2018 4:12am CST
Categories: Toy News, Press Releases, Company News, Knock Offs, Unlicensed Products News
Posted by: Emerje | Credit(s): Hasbro

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Fans of "third party not-Transformers", bootlegs, and over sized knockoff products tend to defend them by saying such things as, "if Hasbro cared they would do something about them" or "they're legal in China, things are more relaxed there". But that's never been entirely true. We've seen Hasbro do things like ban their sale (and attempted to do so with fan art) at BotCon and once requested the removal of their coverage from news sites while China has protected three dimensional trademarks (like toys) since 2001. They even introduced the administrative raid system for speedy resolutions and special "well-known" trademark protections based on consumer knowledge.

And that brings us to the current topic. Hasbro has announced on their corporate site that they've successfully defended their Transformers trademark in a criminal counterfeit case in a Chinese court based on an administrative raid from 2017. Hasbro claims this is only the latest in a string of cases with more to come. In this case three defendants were found guilty including two unnamed people that have been jailed and fined and an unidentified corporation that has been fined as well.

Hasbro's full press release can be found below (it isn't very long or detailed). We realize this is a hotly debated topic so we ask for some civility when discussing this in the Energon Pub.

Hasbro Trademark Rights Upheld in Criminal Case Involving Counterfeit TRANSFORMERS Products in China

December 20, 2018

PAWTUCKET, R.I.—December 20, 2018-- The Chinese court in Dongguan city of Guangdong Province has issued a judgment favorable to Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) in a criminal case involving counterfeit TRANSFORMERS products.

Hasbro initiated an administrative raid action in 2017, which was transferred to the Public Security Bureau (PSB) due to the volume of counterfeit product and seriousness of the case. After a thorough investigation, three separate defendants, including two individuals and one corporate defendant, were found guilty of counterfeiting Hasbro’s trademarks and fined by the court, and the two individuals were sentenced to jail time. Thousands of counterfeit TRANSFORMERS products were confiscated and destroyed.

With strong support from various Chinese authorities, Hasbro has initiated many actions to enforce its intellectual property rights in China, and this is the latest of several criminal judgments involving counterfeit Hasbro products issued by Chinese courts in recent years.

“We take the protection of our intellectual property very seriously, and we will continue to investigate and pursue those who infringe on our rights,” said Tarrant Sibley, Hasbro’s Chief Legal Officer. “We are pleased with the ruling in this case, and will continue to vigorously enforce our intellectual property rights to combat the manufacturing and distribution of counterfeit products.”

About Hasbro

Hasbro (NASDAQ: HAS) is a global play and entertainment company committed to Creating the World's Best Play Experiences. From toys and games to television, movies, digital gaming and consumer products, Hasbro offers a variety of ways for audiences to experience its iconic brands, including NERF, MY LITTLE PONY, TRANSFORMERS, PLAY-DOH, MONOPOLY, BABY ALIVE and MAGIC: THE GATHERING, as well as premier partner brands. Through its entertainment labels, Allspark Pictures and Allspark Animation, the Company is building its brands globally through great storytelling and content on all screens. Hasbro is committed to making the world a better place for children and their families through corporate social responsibility and philanthropy. Hasbro ranked No. 5 on the 2018 100 Best Corporate Citizens list by CR Magazine, and has been named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® by Ethisphere Institute for the past seven years. Learn more at http://www.hasbro.com, and follow us on Twitter (@Hasbro) and Instagram (@Hasbro).

Hascon 2019 Postponed

Date: Sunday, December 23rd 2018 5:50pm CST
Categories: Event News, Rumors, Press Releases
Posted by: Amelie | Credit(s): Hasbro

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Hasbro, via their Hascon subsite has announced that Hascon 2019 has been postponed with no additional information about a reschedule. Originally slated for September 6th through to the 8th, 2019 in Providence, Rhode Island at the Rhode Island Convention Center and Dunkin' Donuts Center. Whatever issues that have caused the delay are unknown, but be assured we will keep you updated on the matter here on Seibertron.



Could this be related to Funpub's application to Trademark “Botcon” earlier this year? Are Hasbro going to stage a return of the classic Transformers fan event? Please join in the discussion on our Energon Pub here at Seibertron.com!

First Images Of IDW Transformers Reboot - Set To Arrive Spring 2019

Date: Tuesday, December 18th 2018 5:00pm CST
Categories: Comic Book News, Press Releases
Posted by: ZeroWolf | Credit(s): TargetmasterJoe from Seibertron, IDW

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Well it's the moment we all knew was coming when Optimus Prime 25# hit the stands, and the curtain fell on the old IDW continuity. IDW have given us the first details of the reboot of their Transformers line in Spring 2019. Thanks to fellow Seibertron user, Targetmaster Joe for sharing this on the boards as well.

The new comic (which is just titled Transformers at the moment) will be biweekly and will start at a point before the Great War, with the first ever murder in Cybertronian history taking place, an act which brings with chaos and upheaval. IDW have also given us the creative team working in this new series (which uses the Siege toys as a basis for the character designs). The team is as follows:

Writer: Brian Ruckley
Artists: Angel Hernandez and Ron Joseph

Check out the teaser images below and a full press release from IDW!

IDW wrote:IDW Relaunches Transformers Comics

Cybertron’s Golden Age of Peace and Prosperity,
Shattered by a Single Death


San Diego, CA (December 18, 2018) — IDW Publishing proudly announces that a brand-new Transformers series will debut in March 2019 that will explore the very moment when a glorious, peaceful Cybertron begins its downward spiral into chaos.

Available twice monthly, IDW’s Transformers comic will be written by Brian Ruckley, author of the Godless World fantasy trilogy, and illustrated by Angel Hernandez (Star Trek: Discovery – Succession) and Ron Joseph (Micronauts: Wrath of Karza).

In this new Transformers comic, IDW will explore Cybertron in ways never seen by audiences before – delving into an idyllic society, peaceful for thousands of years, as it faces the most momentous event in its history: the mysterious end of a single life. Through the eyes of young Bumblebee and his friends, fans will witness conspiracies forming, harmony giving way to conflict, and the very fabric of Cybertronian civilization tearing itself apart.

“Bringing Transformers fans this story is a real privilege,” says Brian Ruckley. “But just as important, it’s an amazing opportunity for new readers to discover and explore one of the biggest universes – and one of the best casts of characters – that science fiction has to offer, and to get in right at the start of a truly epic saga.”

Ron Joseph says, "In my youth, I devoured everything Transformers – toys, comics, the cartoon, the movie – with a Unicron-like hunger. ‘Robots in Disguise’ dominated my every waking moment. To join IDW’s creative team for the launch of a Transformers comic is staggering, and easily one of the greatest moments of my life."

“We are eager to begin this new chapter in Transformers storytelling,” says Michael Kelly, Hasbro’s Vice President of Global Publishing. “We are excited to begin a tale that will be accessible and appealing to readers unfamiliar with Transformers lore, while still providing the depth and drama that our long-time fans expect. It’s a big responsibility, but we’ve got the right team and the right characters to do it.”

The debut issue of this new Transformers comic will be available with multiple cover variants, by artists Gabriel Rodriguez, Angel Hernandez, Casey W. Coller, and Freddie E. Williams II. Issue #2, also available in March, will feature covers by Nelson Daniel, Ron Joseph, and Jeffrey Veregge.

For information on how to secure copies of IDW’s new biweekly Transformers series, please contact your local comic shop or visit www.comicshoplocator.com to find a store near you.

TRANSFORMERS and all related characters are trademarks of Hasbro and are used with permission. © 2018 Hasbro. All Rights Reserved. Licensed by Hasbro.

About Hasbro
Hasbro(NASDAQ: HAS) is a global play and entertainment company committed to Creating the World's Best Play Experiences. From toys and games to television, movies, digital gaming and consumer products, Hasbro offers a variety of ways for audiences to experience its iconic brands, including NERF, MY LITTLE PONY, TRANSFORMERS, PLAY-DOH, MONOPOLY, BABY ALIVE and MAGIC: THE GATHERING, as well as premier partner brands. Through its entertainment labels, Allspark Pictures and Allspark Animation, the Company is building its brands globally through great storytelling and content on all screens. Hasbro is committed to making the world a better place for children and their families through corporate social responsibility and philanthropy. Hasbro ranked No. 5 on the 2018 100 Best Corporate Citizens list by CR Magazine, and has been named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® by Ethisphere Institute for the past seven years. Learn more at http://www.hasbro.com, and follow us on Twitter (@Hasbro ) and Instagram (@Hasbro ).

What do you think of this news? Are you ready to dive into a new comics continuity? Let us know in the Energon Pub and stay tuned to Seibertron for all the latest news and reviews.

TFcon USA 2019 Guest Update - Alex Milne

Date: Monday, November 26th 2018 3:02pm CST
Categories: Press Releases, People News
Posted by: ZeroWolf | Credit(s): TFcon USA 2019

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Looking forward to this event? Well the organisers have reached out to us to let us know that famed Transformers Comic Artist, Alex Milne is joining the line up! Alex Milne is well known for his work on IDW Transformers Comics, notably the More Than Meets The Eye series.



Here is the official press release.

TFcon USA 2019 wrote:TFcon is very pleased to welcome back Alex Milne to TFcon Los Angeles 2019. Transformers fans will recognize his work as the primary artist on IDW’s Transformers: More than Meets the Eye comic book, Transformers vs ROM and most recently the Unicron mini series that brought an end to the IDW Transformers Universe. He will be attending all weekend while offering prints and commissions to attendees. Alex Milne is presented by The Chosen Prime.

Will you be going to this con? Let us know in the Energon Pub and stay tuned to Seibertron for all the latest news and reviews.

Dare You Accept ... the Transformers Botbots Challenge?

Date: Monday, November 26th 2018 6:28am CST
Categories: Toy News, Press Releases
Posted by: ZeroWolf | Credit(s): Hasbro

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We thank Hasbro for sending us the entire first series of Transformers BotBots so that you can get a good look at all the toys coming soon to a variety of retailers near you. That's not all Hasbro has sent though.


Transformers Botbots Kid Klobber Gallery

They have issued a challenge to tie in with the launch of these new range of Transformers toys. As the Botbots are real life objects that have been given life by an Energon Mist, the challenge is simple. Collect a full team of them and then take a photo of them blending in with their surroundings! Ideally this would mean hiding them with their real life counterparts. So Shed Heads in a garage, or Toilet Troop hanging out in the bathroom. Once you have your photo, post it online for the world to see, challenging viewers to spot the Botbots hiding places! Don't forget when you post the photo up, to use the hash tag #BotbotsChallenge.

So what are you waiting for? Go and track down the Botbots and have some fun! Happy hunting!

The official release window for these is early 2019 and there will be two more series released throughout 2019 with over 190 Botbots to collect. These will be released through a mixture of sets and blind bags.

Please find below the announcement of the challenge, which has been mirrored here for your convenience.





Will you be steping up for this? Let us know in the Energon Pub and stay tuned to Seibertron for all the latest news and reviews.

Press Release for Deal Between Hasbro Studios and Cartoon Network + Paramount and Netflix Deal

Date: Tuesday, November 20th 2018 12:19pm CST
Categories: Movie Related News, Press Releases, Company News
Posted by: william-james88 | Credit(s): Observer, Hasbro

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There are a lot of corporate deals happening and many involve our beloved Transformers. We were sent a press release from Hasbro regarding an international distribution deal with Cartoon Network for Transformers: Cyberverse. Transformers: Cyberverse will be coming to Europe, Middle East, Africa and Latin America in late 2018. You can read the press release below.

In other deal news we have a pretty big one with confirmation that Paramount has partnered with Netflix to for a multi picture film deal. There are not a lot of details, but the article from the Observer states the following:

While no specific properties were mentioned on the call, the deal would seem to provide Netflix with access to valuable IP such as Transformers, Star Trek, Cloverfield and more.

This is because Paramount does own the license for Transformers films and if anyone is curious about what that entails legally, we unearthed Viacom's legal agreement/ownerhip details. You can click here to see it.

Hasbro Studios Announces International Distribution Deal with Cartoon Network for Transformers: Cyberverse

Transformers: Cyberverse to Roll Out to Europe, Middle East, Africa and Latin America Late 2018

Burbank, CA, November 20, 2018 - Hasbro Studios, the Los Angeles-based entertainment distribution division of Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS), announced today an international deal with Cartoon Network to distribute Season One of the hit animated series “Transformers: Cyberverse” to Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America. The deal includes both linear and digital distribution to bring the show, which is already a hit on Cartoon Network in the U.S., to the rest of the world.

“We’re very excited to continue to grow our relationship with Cartoon Network,” said Finn Arnesen,

SVP Global Distribution & Development at Hasbro Studios. “They’re the perfect partner to bring ‘Transformers: Cyberverse’ to an international audience and allow fans around the world to enjoy a new Transformers saga that’s truly More Than Meets the Eye.”

In “Transformers: Cyberverse” Bumblebee is on a critical mission where lives are at stake. Only, he can’t remember what it is. It’s a good thing his best friend Windblade has found him to help repair his damaged memory chips. With each recovered memory, Bumblebee rediscovers his past adventures on Cybertron before coming to Earth. He relives fun moments when he played Cybertronian sports with his friends, and even tragic ones that would change his life. His past will shape him into becoming the hero we know today. As each memory is repaired, another clue comes to light that will lead them both to complete their shared mission to save their friends and Earth… however, the Decepticons are hot on their heels and time is running out.

About Hasbro

(NASDAQ: HAS) is a global play and entertainment company committed to Creating the World's Best Play Experiences. From toys and games to television, movies, digital gaming and consumer products, Hasbro offers a variety of ways for audiences to experience its iconic brands, including NERF, MY LITTLE PONY, TRANSFORMERS, PLAY-DOH, MONOPOLY, BABY ALIVE and MAGIC: THE GATHERING, as well as premier partner brands. Through its entertainment labels, Allspark Pictures and Allspark Animation, the Company is building its brands globally through great storytelling and content on all screens. Hasbro is committed to making the world a better place for children and their families through corporate social responsibility and philanthropy. Hasbro ranked No. 5 on the 2018 100 Best Corporate Citizens list by CR Magazine, and has been named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® by Ethisphere Institute for the past seven years. Learn more at http://www.hasbro.com, and follow us on Twitter (@Hasbro) and Instagram (@Hasbro).

About Cartoon Network

Cartoon Network is Turner’s global entertainment brand and the # 1 animation network in the U.S., offering the best in original content for kids and families with such hits as, Adventure Time, The Powerpuff Girls, Steven Universe, We Bare Bears and The Amazing World of Gumball. Seen in 192 countries and over 400 million homes, Cartoon Network is known for being a leader in innovation with its approach to engaging and inspiring kids at the intersection of creativity and technology.

Transformers TCG Metroplex Deck Released + Press Release

Date: Saturday, November 17th 2018 8:51am CST
Categories: Sightings, Press Releases, Collectables
Posted by: william-james88

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Hot off the heels of the TRANSFORMERS Trading Card Game’s successful September launch is the latest and greatest addition to the card game - the METROPLEX Deck, a ready-to-play team and deck starring the famed Autobot Titan Metroplex, and it is now available for purchase in the United States at major retailers for $19.99!

The METROPLEX Deck is a pre-built deck for one player and contains cards not found in the AUTOBOTS Starter Set or in the TRANSFORMERS Trading Card Game Booster Packs, including:

· The all-new Titan-sized Character Card Metroplex that stands at 200mm tall – nearly 8 inches!

· 40 battle cards three unique Battle Cards not found in Wave 1 Booster Packs– Rally the City, Height Advantage and Protected by Metroplex

· Three all-new character cards – Scamper, Six-Gun and Slammer

To see images of the cards themselves, you can click here. This deck is now officially released across the US and below you will also see an image of the deck found at Target in Cary, NC.

Hasbro Reveals Transformers BotBots With Official Images

Date: Monday, October 22nd 2018 9:59am CDT
Categories: Toy News, Press Releases
Posted by: william-james88

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In connection to the 3rd quarter call, Hasbro has unveilled their new Transformers line, Botbots! These are 1 inch Transformers which turn from robot to a variety of every day objects (like Doughnuts and cameras) in 3-5 steps. There will be 61 unique characters to collect. Hasbro sent us official images as well as the fiction regarding this new line (found in bold below). You will also see a full product description with a variety of price points depensing on which kind of set you get. Some are blind bagged like the basic single figure, but when you get a collection you know some of the figures you’re getting but there’s still a surprise one in there as well.

You can view the gallery for the official images here.

BotBots are mischievous little robots who came to life from everyday objects inside a shopping mall! This rare type of Transformers robot is tiny, mischievous, and great at hiding!

Not long ago and somewhere close by, a glowing mist filled with TRANSFORMERS energy called ENERGON came down from the sky and covered a shopping mall. The things inside came to life as little TRANSFORMERS robots! These bots can hide in plain sight as everyday objects, meaning no one knows what's a bot and what's not! Mischievous, funny, and super silly, these are ... BOTBOTS!

When the Energon hit the objects inside, it made them More Than Meets the Eye. Candy, sports equipment, electronics, school supplies, and other things came to life as little Transformers robots. These robots hide in plain sight at the mall, disguised as the stuff we use everyday.

Each BotBots character belongs to a themed team based on what kind of store they belong in.

There are 61 unique 1-inch characters to collect in the first series of BotBots, each with their own individual personality. Like all Transformers, the characters change from an ordinary object into a little robot in just 3-5 easy steps.

The BotBots all belong to different tribes, inspired by product types you might find in a shopping mall, including the "Sugar Shocks" (sweet treats), the "Backpack Bunch" (school equipment), the "Toilet Troop" (bathroom items), the "Techie Team" (electronic gadgets), the "Greaser Gang" (fast food), the "Shed Heads" (gardening gear), and the "Jock Squad" (sporting goods).

BotBot Series 1 – Blind Bag

Transformers BotBots Series 1 Collectible Blind Bag Mystery Figure -- Surprise 2-In-1 Toy!

(Ages 5 and up/ Approx. Retail Price $2.99/ Available: Winter ’18)

Hidden inside each TRANSFORMERS BOTBOTS blind bag is a little mystery figure with a big personality! Collectable BOTBOTS figures are around 1-inch tall and change from totally normal stuff to little robots in 3 to 5 easy steps. Each blind bag randomly includes 1 of 24 available characters. BOTBOTS Series 1 features 61 characters across 3 assortments: blind bag assortment, 5-pack assortment, and 8-pack assortment. (Each sold separately. Subject to availability). Available at select retailers and on HasbroToyShop.com.


Transformers BotBots Toys Series 1 Sugar Shocks 5-Pack -- Mystery 2-In-1 Collectible Figures!

(Ages 5 and up/ Approx. Retail Price $9.99/ Available: Winter ’18)

The SUGAR SHOCKS are a squad of sweet treats who share their own unique sugar rush and kick things into overdrive. Each SUGAR SHOCKS collection pack includes 5 BOTBOTS figures: 2 from the SUGAR SHOCKS, 1 from the LOST BOTS, and 2 from other themed teams! Series 1 5-Pack SUGAR SHOCKS characters are SIPPY SLURPS, THE PLOP FATHER, WADDLEPOP, LOLLY LICKS, REMORSEL, SPRINKLEBERRY D'UHNUT, UNILLA ICEQUEENCONE, COCOA CRAZY, and NRJEEZ! Please note that not all SUGAR SHOCKS characters can be found in this SUGAR SHOCKS themed pack. Look for other SUGAR SHOCKS characters in blind bag assortment, other 5-pack assortment themed packs, and 8-pack assortment themed packs (each sold separately, subject to availability) to find different characters. Available at select retailers and on HasbroToyShop.com.


Transformers BotBots Toys Series 1 Toilet Troop 5-Pack -- Mystery 2-In-1 Collectible Figures!

(Ages 5 and up/ Approx. Retail Price $9.99/ Available: Winter ’18)

The TOILET TROOP is a clean-up platoon of bathroom defenders who take care of business by cleaning the bathroom and beyond. TOILET TROOP collection pack includes 5 BOTBOTS figures: 2 from the TOILET TROOP, 1 from the LOST BOTS, and 2 from other themed teams! Series 1 TOILET TROOP characters are SERGEANT SCRUBADUB, KING TOOTS, SUDSBEARD, NOBEEOH, STINKOSAURUS REX, POO SHAM, and FROHAWK! Please note that not all TOILET TROOP characters can be found in this TOILET TROOP themed pack. Look for other TOILET TROOP characters in blind bag assortment, other 5-pack assortment themed packs, and 8-pack assortment themed packs (each sold separately, subject to availability) to find different characters. Available at select retailers and on HasbroToyShop.com.


Transformers BotBots Toys Series 1 Techie Team 5-Pack -- Mystery 2-In-1 Collectible Figures!

(Ages 5 and up/ Approx. Retail Price $9.99/ Available: Winter ’18)

The TECHIE TEAM is a cutting edge crew of gotta-have-it phones, gadgets, electronics, and gamer gear. TECHIE TEAM collection pack includes 5 randomized BOTBOTS figures: 2 from the TECHIE TEAM, 1 from the LOST BOTS, and 2 from other themed teams! Series 1 TECHIE TEAM characters are SCREEN FIEND, CHILLA GORILLA, SKILLZ PUNK, S.A. CHEEZ, RADDHAX, FOMO, GOOB TOOB, and DR. MOGGLY! Please note that not all TECHIE TEAM characters can be found in this TECHIE TEAM themed pack. Look for other TECHIE TEAM characters in blind bag assortment, other 5-pack assortment themed packs, and 8-pack assortment themed packs (each sold separately, subject to availability) to find different characters. Available at select retailers and on HasbroToyShop.com.


Transformers BotBots Toys Series 1 Greaser Gang 8-Pack -- Mystery 2-In-1 Collectible Figures!

(Ages 5 and up/ Approx. Retail Price $14.99/ Available: Winter ’18)

The GREASER GANG is a team of greased up and chilled out rulers of the food court who put the fast in fast food. GREASER GANG collection pack includes 8 BOTBOTS figures: 2 from the GREASER GANG and 6 from other themed teams! Series 1 8-Pack GREASER GANG characters are SHREDDER JACK, DUDERONI, S'UP DAWG, SPUD MUFFIN, ANGRY CHEESE, HAWT DIGGITY, FOTTLE BARTS, and TWERPLE BURPLE! Please note that not all GREASER GANG characters can be found in this GREASER GANG themed pack. Look for other GREASER GANG characters in blind bag assortment, 5-pack assortment themed packs, and other 8-pack assortment themed packs (each sold separately, subject to availability) to find different characters. Available at select retailers and on HasbroToyShop.com.


Transformers BotBots Toys Series 1 Jock Squad 8-Pack -- Mystery 2-In-1 Collectible Figures!

(Ages 5 and up/ Approx. Retail Price $14.99/ Available: Winter ’18)

The JOCK SQUAD is crew of super sporty bots who love to win and are always ready to gear up and get their game faces on. JOCK SQUAD collection pack includes 8 randomized BOTBOTS figures: 2 from the JOCK SQUAD, 1 from the LOST BOTS, and 5 from other themed teams! Series 1 Jock Squad characters are LACEFACE, BATSBY, KIDD KLOBBER, PUCKSIE, FIT NESS MONSTER, and ARCTIC GUZZLERUSH! Please note that not all JOCK SQUAD characters can be found in this JOCK SQUAD themed pack. Look for other JOCK SQUAD characters in blind bag assortment, 5-pack assortment themed packs, and other 8-pack assortment themed packs (each sold separately, subject to availability) to find different characters. Available at select retailers and on HasbroToyShop.com.

Hasbro Facing 'Difficult Changes' and Investor Lawsuit

Date: Friday, October 19th 2018 3:23am CDT
Categories: Press Releases, Company News
Posted by: Va'al | Credit(s): WPRI, Providence Journal, Marketwatch, Yahoo Finance

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We're getting news, alongside the quarterly investor calls and reports, that Hasbro seems to be having some issue at the moment, on a number of fronts.

According to a number of source, including the WPRI and the Providence Journal, there are indeed some 'difficult changes' happening over at the toy maker's, meaning that - despite no official confirmation - there may be some layoffs happening in the coming period (not ideal, given the holiday season approaching, and way too similar to the Toys R Us situation last year).

While the company won't confirm layoffs, Hasbro said Wednesday it is making "meaningful organizational changes" that will affect "a single-digit percentage" of its global workforce.

The Providence-based toymaker sent a statement to Eyewitness News after inquiries about possible layoffs at the company.

"While some of these changes are difficult, we must ensure we have the right teams in place with the right capabilities to lead the company into the future," spokeswoman Julie Duffy said in a statement. "We continue to add new capabilities based on our understanding of the consumer and how our retailers are going to market, while evolving the way we organize our business across our Brand Blueprint."

This, however, also follows what seems to be an investor lawsuit, conducted by Pomerantz Law Firm, concerning 'whether Hasbro and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices'. This apparently relates back to the financial report from last October, too.

The announcement of Hasbro making changes comes a day after Pomerantz Law Firm said that it is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Hasbro, Inc. as to whether Hasbro and certain of its officers and/or directors "have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices."

"The claims have no merit and we intend to vigorously defend against them," said Duffy and that the staff cuts are unrelated.

According to reports, in October of 2017 Hasbro said they saw a 5% decline in the Company’s U.S. and Canada segment’s operating profit to $217.3 million, compared to $228 million in 2016.

After the disclosures, Hasbro’s stock dropped $8.44 per share and closed at $89.75 per share on October 23, 2017.

We'll keep an eye on updates on this story, and bring them to you as soon as any developments arise, but do let us know your thoughts in the comments.

EDIT:

AcademyofDrX wrote:The excerpt below is directly from PR wire copy:

"According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Hasbro's relationship with Toys ''R'' Us was becoming increasingly important to Hasbro's business, but Toys ''R'' Us was in far worse financial condition than was being publicly reported; (2) Hasbro was experiencing significant undisclosed adverse sales issues in two key markets - the United Kingdom and Brazil - which were negatively impacting Hasbro's efforts to grow sales in those markets; and (3) as a result of foregoing, defendants' statements about Hasbro's business and prospects were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages."

Companies are required by law to tell their shareholders how their business is doing. These statements have to be truthful. The alleged fraud is basically that before the TRU bankruptcy, Hasbro said that things were okay, and after they weren't very okay. That's the gist of it. Ther no expectation that there are fudged numbers in a ledger, but if Hasbro knew the risks of the bankruptcy and didn't tell investors, that would make those statements false. I wouldn't recommend reading too much into this stuff.

PUMA and Hasbro Announce Collaboration with new Transformers Themed Footwear

Date: Thursday, October 11th 2018 6:56pm CDT
Categories: Press Releases, Company News
Posted by: D-Maximal_Primal | Credit(s): PUMA, Hasbro

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PUMA and Hasbro have teamed up to create exciting Transformers themed footwear! PUMA will combine the Transformers theme with its RS-X shoe, which is based on the iconic 1980s Running System (RS) line. For PUMA and Hasbro, the launch of this collaboration comes ahead of an important date for Transformers fans: the release of the BUMBLEBEE movie which hits theaters this December.

The PUMA x TRANSFORMERS range will be sold exclusively at Foot Locker stores. More details will be revealed over the coming weeks. See below for more details.

PUMA AND HASBRO ANNOUNCE NEW COLLABORATION

Robots In Disguise: PUMA and Hasbro Create Transformers Themed Footwear

Global sports brand PUMA has teamed up with play and entertainment group Hasbro Inc. (NASDAQ:HAS) to create exciting Transformers themed footwear. First introduced by Hasbro and Japan’s Takara as a toy series in 1984, the adventures of the robots which can transform into motor vehicles also became a popular cartoon series. With the more recent addition of a blockbuster cinema franchise, Transformers has turned into one of the most recognizable brands in entertainment. Millions have watched the epic battles between Autobots and Decepticons, and protagonists such as Optimus Prime and Megatron have become household names.



Partnering with creative brands to bring consumers a range of appealing products, while pushing boundaries with futuristic design and style, has become a key part of PUMA’s strategy. PUMA will combine the Transformers theme with its RS-X shoe, which is based on the iconic 1980s Running System (RS) line. For PUMA and Hasbro, the launch of this collaboration comes ahead of an important date for Transformers fans: the release of BUMBLEBEE, the latest cinema blockbuster in the franchise.



“We are proud to collaborate with PUMA, one of the world’s most popular and respected sports apparel brands,” said Nikki Gie, EMEA Director - Fashion & Home, Hasbro. “With nostalgia for the 1980s at an all-time high, we are excited to bring together two 80s icons for the first time: Tranformers and the PUMA RS shoe. We hope fans everywhere will rock the Transformers RS-X sneakers when they come out to see even more 80s vibes in BUMBLEBEE, in theaters this December!”



Adam Petrick, Director for Brand & Marketing at PUMA adds, “We are excited to partner with Hasbro to create a fun collaborative collection that will bring the iconic robots to life. Having achieved global icon status, Transformers make perfect partners to push forward stories of reinvention within modern-day pop culture”



The PUMA x TRANSFORMERS range will be sold exclusively at Foot Locker stores. More details will be revealed over the coming weeks. Follow @PUMASportstyle for release information.



PUMA


PUMA is one of the world’s leading Sports Brands, designing, developing, selling and marketing footwear, apparel and accessories. For over 65 years, PUMA has established a history of making fast product designs for the fastest athletes on the planet. PUMA offers performance and sport-inspired lifestyle products in categories such as Football, Running and Training, Golf, and Motorsports. It engages in exciting collaborations with renowned design brands to bring innovative and fast designs to the sports world. The PUMA Group owns the brands PUMA, Cobra Golf and Dobotex. The company distributes its products in more than 120 countries, employs more than 11,000 people worldwide, and is headquartered in Herzogenaurach/Germany. For more information, please visit http://www.puma.com.

HASBRO

Hasbro (NASDAQ: HAS) is a global play and entertainment company committed to Creating the World's Best Play Experiences. From toys and games to television, movies, digital gaming and consumer products, Hasbro offers a variety of ways for audiences to experience its iconic brands, including NERF, MY LITTLE PONY, TRANSFORMERS, PLAY-DOH, MONOPOLY, BABY ALIVE and MAGIC: THE GATHERING, as well as premier partner brands. Through its entertainment labels, Allspark Pictures and Allspark Animation, the Company is building its brands globally through great storytelling and content on all screens. Hasbro is committed to making the world a better place for children and their families through corporate social responsibility and philanthropy. Hasbro ranked No. 5 on the 2018 100 Best Corporate Citizens list by CR Magazine, and has been named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® by Ethisphere Institute for the past seven years. Learn more at http://www.hasbro.com, and follow us on Twitter (@Hasbro & @HasbroNews) and Instagram (@Hasbro).