Yesterday it was announced that Disney have purchased Marvel Entertainment for $4 billion.� What does this have to do with Transformers, you may ask.� Well both companies already have deals with Hasbro or Takara for cross branded figures. It may also affect the direction of the next cartoon series of Transformers by throwing a spanner in the works of Hasbro Inc.'s joint venture with Discovery Communications to create a TV network. According to Wells Fargo analyst Tim Conder, Hasbro recently extended its contract with Marvel until 2017. &quto;We do not view this transaction as having any material negative implications from this perspective," he wrote. The Associate Press speculate that the decision might affect Hasbro and Discovery's TV network joint venture, since it makes it less likely the network will offer shows centered around Marvel characters.
Now, "it is highly likely that Disney will want to retain Marvel-related programming content for its own channels of distribution," Conder noted.

He kept his "Outperform" rating on the Pawtucket, R.I., company's stock. Shares of Hasbro fell 12 cents to $28.21 during morning trading.

Hasbro UK have a job going with a 9 month contract to cover maternity leave.� Here is the advert which is for a Business Account Manager.

"Due to maternity leave, the UK sales department based at Stockley Park is seeking a business account manager to join its existing team. ??The purpose of this role is to support the team in driving sales through accounts to achieve company sales and profit targets.�

The successful candidate will be responsible for implementing and monitoring account current business plans, along with a section of the product portfolio.
The candidate will be required to influence and negotiate with the account to maximise sales, and execute and monitor agreed promotions within the business plan.
The role requires the employee to network across external customers and internal contacts and monitor stock availability as well as handling day to day account requests.??
The successful candidate will be of graduate calibre, ideally with experience of working in the toy industry or in a FMCG/consumer durables UK market place.
Candidates will possess a minimum of two to four years experience in sales, along with an excellent understanding of account systems, processes and trading tactics.??
The ability to use influencing and negotiating skills to achieve results is essential, along with clear persuasive communication.

The firm is seeking a numerate individual who has the ability to analyse data and sales information.
The ability to be adaptable and be prepared to be flexible covering a variety of work within the team during the cover period is also necessary.??
The successful candidate must be result oriented, and possess good prioritisation skills. An adaptable and flexible manner is essential for this role, and candidates must be able to demonstrate enthusiasm and passion.
Excellent understanding of account systems, processes and trading tactics is essential, along with exposure to trade marketing.
Candidates must possess intermediate level knowledge of MS Office including Outlook and Excel, and have the ability to drive and travel in the UK/Ireland.

Closing date: 11th September 2009

Interested parties should send a CV with a covering letter stating why they are suitable for this position and post it to:

Hasbro International,
Human Resource Department,
2 Roundwood Avenue,
Stockley Park,
Uxbridge,
Middlesex,
UB11 1AZ.

Alternatively you can e-mail your CV to: careers@hasbro.co.uk

Please quote the job title.

According to figures released by the NPD Group, toy sales within the United States were down 2% for the first 6 months of 2009.� Sales were at $7.8 billion compared to $7.95 billion for hte same period in 2008.� For the 12 months ending on the same date, sales fell from $22.06 billion to $21.6 billion.� NPD toy industry analyst Anita Frazier is quoted as saying �Even as the economy worsened earlier this year...there wasn't evidence of greater declines post-holiday."� Its not all bad news though as some areas of the toy industry did see an increase including the Action Figure are of the market where sales rose by 13 per cent for the first half and four per cent for the 12-month period.

You can read more here.

It:s taken quiet a while but Transformers has finally shifted Ben 10 off the top of the Action Figure charts (although it still lags behind it as an overall toy property in the UK).

Time to celebrate Hasbro UK - why not spend a little money and send some staff to Auto Assembly, which in on next week (shameless plug).

The NPD Research shows that Action Figures and Role play had a good month (June 2009) mainly due to Transformers and the release of the Transformers Revenge of the Fallen movie,� The property only came out in Mid June yet shifted enough to put it to the top of the Action Figure charts.� HM Armed Forces and Bakugan also continue to to well.

Best Item Progression June 2009 goes to Transformers Movie Deluxe Figures (Hasbro) With the launch of the new movie, the toys rose from number 695 to number three in just one month.� The Movie legends Assortment is also in fourth place,

We have received a copy of the NPD Charts for June 2009 charting the Retail Sales Trends for the toy industry during that month.

Top 10 ranked on monetary Sales

1. Kidizoom Camera
2. Smart Trike Plus Girls
3. Transformers Movie Deluxe Figures
4. Transformers Movie Legends Assortments
5. Ben 10 Alien Force 10cm Figures
6. First Steps Babywalker
7. Hot Wheels Basic Car Assortment
8. Bakugan Starter Pack
9. Ben10 Alien Force 15cm DNA Figures
10. Ben 10 Ultimate Omnitrix

Top 10 ranked on Units sold

1. Hot Wheels Basic Car Assortment
2. Gogos !! Explorer Pack
3. Cars Vehicle Assortment
4. Transformers Movie Legends Assortment
5. Gogo Evolution Booster
6. Littlest Petshop Collectible Assortment B
7. Ben 10 Alien Force 10cm Figures
8. Bakugan Booster Pack
9. Gormiti Figure Foilbag Assortment
10. Transformers 2 Robot Heroses

UK Year to Dateranked on monetary Sales

1. Ben 10 Alien Force 10cm Figures
2. Kidizoom Camera
3. Ben 10 Ultimate Omnitrix
4. Bakugan Starter Pack
5. Ben 10 Figures 10cm Assortment
6. Power Rangers Jungle Fury Figures
7. Cars Vehicle Assortment
8. Star Wars Clone Wars Basic figures 3-75"
9. Smart Trike Plus Girls
10. Hot Wheels Basic Car Assortment

Year to date ranked on Units Sold

1. Hot?Wheels Basic Car Assortment
2. Cars Vehicle Assortment
3. Ben 10 Alien Force 10cm Figures
4. Gogos !! Explorer Pack
5. Power Rangers Jungle Fury Figures
6. Ben 10 Figures 10cm Assortment
7. Bakugan Booster Pack
8. Star Wars Clone Wars Basic Figures 3-75"
9. Gormiti Figure Foilbag Assortment
10. Littlest Petshop Collectible Assortment B

Top 5 Properties

1. Ben 10
2. Transformers
3. Thomas and Friends
4. Star Wars
5. In the Night Garden

Interesting in the Action Figure charts, which aren't published, it is said that Transformers was the best selling property.

There was a 13% drop in toy sales on a Year-on-Year comparison to 2008 and the average toy price increased to 6.39 GBP in June 09 compared to 5.81 GBP in June 08

As is the case every July Hamleys have published their prediction of the top 10 ten toys this Christmas and here it is

1.�� Battle Strikers Tournament Set � Mega Brands
2.�� Transformers Bumblebee Helmet - Hasbro
3.�� Transformers Movie Leaders - Hasbro
4.�� V Motion - VTech
5.�� Kidizoom Camera - VTech
6.�� Barbie & the Three Musketeers Doll � Mattel
7.�� Barbie & the Three Musketeers Miette Kitten � Mattel
8.�� Rubik�s 360 � Drumond Park
9.�� Bop It � Hasbro
10. Lego Minotaurus Game - Lego

�From the traditional classics like Lego, Barbie and Slinky, to dressing up dreams and the latest in electronic wizardry, we have one of our best ranges in years wrapped up for a bumper Christmas this year.� comments Hamleys head of retail Nigel Wheatley.

Hasbro have announced their Q2 profits and they are higher than expected.� Sales rose by one per cent to $792.2 million, compared to $784.3 million a year ago (excluding the negative $44.5 million impact of foreign exchange, net sales increased seven per cent) with net profits for the Q2 period increasing from $37.5 million (25 cents per share) to $39.3 million (26 cents per share).

US and Canadian sales rose to $490.9 million, compared to $467.7 million in 2008. The results reflect growth in Transformers, GI Joe, Littlest Pet Shop, Nerf, Play-Doh, Furreal Friends and Tonka. The segment reported an operating profit of $56.3 million, compared to $43.7 million in 2008.� On the International side things were not as good with sales falling to $276.2 million, compared to $293.7 million in 2008. The revenues include a negative foreign exchange impact of approximately $42.8 million. The results reflect growth in Transformers, G.I. Joe, Littlest Pet Shop, Nerf, Play-Doh and Star Wars. The International segment reported an operating profit of $16.5 million, up from $14 million in 2008.

Entertainment and Licensing segment net revenues rose to $24.2 million, from $21.3 million in 2008. The results reflect increases in Transformers, GI Joe and Nerf.

The UK toy market just got slammed by the chairman of the BTHA (British Toy and Hobby Association) Roger Dyson.  In an address to visitor's of the association's Industry Day, he pointed to a number of difficulties faced throughout 2008, which led to the UK becoming "The worst performing toy market in the developed world when compared with 2008."  Dyson gave a few reasons for the decline

"The administration of Youngsters in April was challenging enough for many of our members, but the reqercussions of the administration of Woolworths have still not subsided and are unlikely to to, at least until 2009 is well past.

"The changing landscape of retail in teh UK is and will continue to be a challenge to our members for some time to come but our industry will as ever change and adapt to what will continue to be an ever changing economic and retail environment." ... "We face a further difficulty, lower turnover leads to lower marketing spend which leads to lower sales, we are in a downward spiral that we need to reverse."

For those wondering what is happening with the UK towards illegal toys you may be interested to hear that ToyNewsMagazine are reporting that "In one of Newham Trading Standards' biggest-ever hauls, officers confiscated about 2000 toys. They include unsafe flashing babies' dummies, children's neckties which light up, toy dogs, rabbits and airplanes, puffer balls and sabre lights.

The illegal toys, which do not have safety warnings, are shoddily made and fall apart. Some reveal sharp metal spikes and nails and others have cords and balls which could easily choke a young child to death. Officers swooped on a house in the borough which was being used as a storehouse. The address, in the Straford area, has not been revealed for legal reasons and the toys are being independently tested."

You can read the full article here.

Hasbro UK Are currently recruiting for an Account Licensing Manager for the UK and Eire.� You can find the full spec below.

Company: Hasbro
Contact: HR
Email: careers@hasbro.co.uk
Location: Stockley Park, Heathrow
Salary: �38,000 + Bonus + Car Allowance + Excellent Benefits

Account Licensing Manager (UK & Eire)

Hasbro is a worldwide leader in leisure time entertainment products for children and families. Our large portfolio of toys and games has brought joy to millions of people for almost a century. We’re looking for a self-motivated, focused individual to maximise sales in our out-licensing division, looking after the publishing, greetings and back-to-school categories.

The role is to:

� Develop and manage licensing relationships with publishing, back to school and greetings companies utilising Hasbro-owned trademarks and brands to generate revenue

� Achieve budgeted sales revenue and royalty advances through effective management of accounts

� Prepare accurate and timely budget projections and re-forecasts

� Research and present new product ideas to existing and new partners as well as retailers

The person will have:

� Previous experience and knowledge of the publishing industry in a sales oriented role

� Analytical skills with the ability to forecast and meet realistic targets

� An enthusiastic and results oriented attitude

� The ability to think creatively and solve problems

� Excellent communication skills

This is a rewarding opportunity to work with leading brands in a fun and fast-moving environment. If you think you’re the perfect addition to our team, send your CV and covering letter to: careers@hasbro.co.uk or post to: Human Resources Department, 2 Roundwood Avenue, Stockley Park, Uxbridge, Middlesex UB11 1AZ. Closing date for applications: 30th March 2009

Hasbro have issued the following press release regarding the US toyfair.

This summer, the colossal battle between the AUTOBOTS and the DECEPTICONS continues when “ROBOTS IN DISGUISE” once again invade movie theaters around the world. The new DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures live-action movie TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN debuts June 26, 2009 and continues the story from the 2007 worldwide blockbuster film that finds two warring factions of robots colliding in a major battle on planet Earth. In 2009, Hasbro continues the legacy with its new line of movie-based TRANSFORMERS toys that capture the action and excitement of the new film. Fans will love the new action figures in multiple scales and kids can pretend to be a TRANSFORMERS robot by wearing the new BUMBLEBEE MOVIE VOICE MIXER HELMET. Additionally, coming in the fall, young fans will enjoy TRANSFORMERS R.P.M.’S MINI-VEHICLES, a new line of miniature, non-converting TRANSFORMERS-themed vehicles.�

You an also expect more inforamtion on releases in other countries to be annouced after the US toyfair.

After Mattel posted an 11% drop in it's sales figures on Wall Street yesterday Hasbro's shares also dropped (even though they haddn't posted any figures).

Seeking Alpha reports

Everyone knows or knows someone who knows a “Debbie Downer.” That acquaintance or friend that just won’t let you have a good time. They always seem to pull the good times down and ruin the party for the rest of us.

You can find Debbie Downers in the stock market as well. Today’s example is Mattel (NYSE: MAT). After it reported lower earnings and an 11% drop in sales, it dragged Hasbro (NYSE: HAS) down with it.

The reasoning behind most of these moves is that the pressures hurting one company in a sector should be impacting the competition as well.

But that isn’t always the case.

We can find numerous examples of companies in the same industry with the same pressures that deal with those challenges differently. Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) was able to put up considerable numbers over the past year as its competition suffered greatly. It did this by hedging its oil costs correctly.

Maybe Hasbro hasn’t done the exact same thing as Mattel – and will report similar earnings figures? But who’s to say they did. As smart investors, we cannot assume that is the case. As of this writing, Mattel is down 16% and Hasbro is down 9%.

Let's think about that, a 9% percent drop on no information about their business model. It’s the kind of emotional movement that value investors love.

We're pleased to bring you the October 2008 UK retail charts as well as the 2008 Year-To-Date figures, though the trend for Transformers continues that of recent months, with no entries in the monthly chart, but the line does manage to hold onto places in the YTD chart through the continued success of the number 1 selling action figure for 2007, the Transformers Movie Legends.� In fact, if it wasn't for the dominance of Bandai's Ben 10, the Movie Legends would probably have held onto their "best selling action figure" crown this year as well.

October 2008 - � Sales
1. Kidizoom Camera - Vtech
2. In the Night Garden Talking Plush - Hasbro Inc
3. Ben 10 figures 10cm Assortment - Bandai
4. BG Bounce N Spin Zebra - Fisher Price core Mattel
5. Ben 10 15CM Action Figures - Bandai
6. In The Night Garden Huggle Snuggle IgglePigg - Hasbro
7. V Smile TV Learning System - VTech
8. Fur Real Biscuit My Lovin Pup - Tiger Electronics / Hasbro
9. Music and Motion Choo Choo - Fisher-Price core Mattel
10. Ben 10 Deluxe Omnitrix - Bandai

October 2008 - Unit Sales

1. Hot Wheels Basic Car Assortment - Mattel
2. Ben 10 figures 10cm assortment - Bandai
3. Cars Vehicle Assortment - Mattel
4. Ben 10 15cm assortment - Bandai
5. In The Night Garden Mini Plush - Hasbro
6. HSM Singalong Mircophone - Vivid Imaginations
7. In The Night Garden Talking Plush - Hasbro
8. Bionicle Mistika - Lego
9. Star Wars - Lego
10. Zeebeez - Re Creation

UK Year To Date - � Sales
1. Ben 10 Figures 10cm - Bandai
2. Cars Vehicle Assortment - Mattel
3. In The Night Garden Talking Plush - Hasbro
4. Ben 10 15cm Assortment - Bandai
5. Ben 10 Omnitrix FX Watch - Bandai
6. In The Night Garden Mini Plush Assortment - Hasbro
7. Hot Wheel Car Assortment - Mattel
8. Power Rangers 12.5cm Figures - Bandai
9. Transformers Movie Legends - Hasbro
10. Dr Who Five Inch Figures - Character Options

UK Year To Date - Unit Sales
1. Hot Wheels Car Assortment - Mattel
2. Cars Vehicle Assortment - Mattel
3. Ben 10 Figures 10cm - Bandai
4. Match Attax Cards - Topps
5. Transformers Movie Legends - Hasbro
6. Power Rangers 12.5cm Figures - Bandai
7. In The Night Garden Mini Plush Assortment - Hasbro
8. Ben 10 15cm Assortment - Bandai
9. WWE Ruthless Aggression - Jakks Pacific / Vivid
10. Dr Who five inch figures - Character Options

The credit crunch has hit another toy retailer this time in the United States as K.B Toys (one o the biggest toy chains in the US) have filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the

Federal Bankruptcy Court in Delaware listing assets in the range of $100 million to $500 million dollars.