Hasbro, Inc. announces that it has acquired Boulder Media, a multi-award winning animation company based in Dublin, Ireland. Boulder has produced a number of acclaimed series for top broadcast partners Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, Disney (Wander Over Yonder) and BBC (Go Jetters, Danger Mouse), and will continue to produce series on behalf of third-party clients as a wholly owned subsidiary of Hasbro.
The deal closed July 13; terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
“As one of the largest independent studios producing animation in Hollywood, the time is right for Hasbro to acquire its own animation studio, allowing us to expand our animation and storytelling capabilities even further,” said Stephen Davis, Executive Vice President and Chief Content Officer, Hasbro. “In Boulder, we have found one of the most progressive, innovative and creative teams in the business. We are thrilled to partner with Rob Cullen, Pete Lewis, Jenni MacNeaney and the entire Boulder team as we significantly enhance the execution of our story-led Brand Blueprint strategy.”
In February of this year, Hasbro was ranked No. 3 on Fast Company’s list of “Most Innovative Companies in Hollywood.” The company is on track to build on this independent success by expanding its TV and feature film animation possibilities through the Boulder acquisition.
Founded in 2000 by creative director Robert Cullen, Boulder is one of the fastest-growing animation studios in Ireland, with roughly 150 full-time employees. The studio will retain its brand, and report into Stephen Davis, who leads Hasbro’s entertainment and consumer products licensing division.
“Boulder and Hasbro have ambitious plans for growth, and working together, we will substantially expand our team and our business,” said Cullen. “We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to bring to life the Hasbro stories and characters that mean so much to our team, and join a company that’s emerging as an entertainment powerhouse.”
