Tag: Business News
Funko Prepares for Long Term International Growth with Executive Changes
Funko’s president, Andrew Perlmutter, is set to be the firm’s new CEO as Brian Mariotti transitions to the newly created role of chief creative officer, detailing the top level moves the same week the firm delivered ‘its largest topline quarter in company history.’
Hasbro Appoints New Vice President of Global Licensed Consumer Products
Hasbro has appointed a new vice president of global licensed consumer products of toys and games, and we welcome Jess Richardson to the role.
Mattel Sees Q2 Sales Hit 1.03 Billion As EMEA Growth Outpaces Toy Industry
Mattel has seen second quarter net sales increase by 40 per cent on last year, with growth in EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) exceeding the industry average by 11 per cent.
Disney+ Hits 103.6 Million Subscribers, Short of Industry Expectations
Disney+ has reached 103.6 million global paid subscribers, short of industry expectations of 110 million subscribers at this point.
LEGO and The LEGO Foundation Make Million Dollar Donation to Save the Children India
The LEGO Group and the LEGO Foundation are making a $1 million donation to help Save the Children India support families and children most at risk in Delhi, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and West Bengal.
Mattel Details PlayBack Toy Recycling Programme for US and Canada, UK Soon
Mattel has detailed a new toy take back programme to enable families to extend the life of their Mattel's toys once they are finished playing with them, and save unwanted toys from landfill.
Funko Achieves Record First Quarter
Funko has seen record first quarter net sales increases across both its US and European markets, reflecting what the pop culture specialist has cited as ‘broad-based strength across geographies, products, and channels.’
The LEGO Group Ranked World’s Most Highly Regarded Company by RepTrak
The LEGO Group has been ranked as the world’s most highly regarded company when it comes to corporate reputation according to the RepTrak Company’s annual Global RepTrak 100 survey.
Topps Is Going Public In Deal Valued At $1.3bn
Topps has revealed that it is merging with Mudrick Capital Acquisition Corporation II, and will trade on the Nasdaq under the ticker TOPP when it goes public this autumn.
George Lucas Sees Net Worth Increase as Disney Stock Rises
When George Lucas sold Lucasfilm to Disney in 2012 for $4 billion, he opted for a half cash/half stock deal, with $2.21 billion in cash and 37,076,679 of Disney shares, a very prudent move.
The Mandalorian Remains Funko’s Top Property in Q4 2020
Star Wars was the top performing Funko property in 2020, with Star Wars products at the helm for Q1, and The Mandalorian taking the top stop in Q2, Q3 and Q4.
Disney’s CEO Addresses Gina Carano Firing and Offers Confidence in Kathleen Kennedy
During yesterday's Walt Disney Company earnings call, CEO Bob Chapek was asked about the firing of Gina Carano and if Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy was being replaced.
The LEGO Group Delivers Strong Growth in 2020
The LEGO Group has shared their full 2020 financial results with consumer sales up 21% on 2019, revenue up 13%, and profits growing by 19% to DKK 9.9 billion. LEGO Star Wars remains one of the brand's top themes.
The Walt Disney Company’s 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders Happening March 9th
The annual meeting of shareholders of The Walt Disney Company will be held on Tuesday, March 9th, 2021 at 1pm ET / 10am PT / 6pm GMT.
US Toy Sales Surge $3.5bn in 2020, Directly Correlating to COVID-19
Toy sales in the US generated $25.1 billion in 2020, an increase of 16% in 2019, with Star Wars being one of five brands that together accounted for 13% of all toy sales. Building bricks, led by market-leader LEGO, was up by 26%.
Blackstone Buying Lucasfilm Singapore Facility, The Sandcrawler, for $132 Million
Lucasfilm is selling its Singapore faciclity, dubbed The Sandcrawler, for $132 million to Blackstone Group Inc.
Happening Today The Walt Disney Company Investor Day 2020
Happening later today is the Walt Disney Company Investor Day 2020, and Jedi News will be covering the event and bringing you all the Star Wars news as it is revealed.
The Walt Disney Company Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year Earnings for Fiscal 2020
The Walt Disney Company reported earnings for its fourth quarter and fiscal year ended October 3rd, 2020 and with it higher than expected revenue of $14 billion, even though there was a net loss of $2.83 billion.
Mattel Sees Q3 Success as Locked-Down Families Buy Hot Wheels and Barbie Dolls
Mattel has seen its biggest increase in quarterly sales in a decade, fueled by a surge in Barbie and Hot Wheels toys bought by parents/families during a period of at home play due to the ongoing pandemic.
Disney Announces Major Restructure, Primary Focus for Entertainment is Streaming
Disney CEO Bob Chapek yesterday announced a major restructuring of its media and entertainment divisions, as streaming becomes the most important facet of the company’s media business with Disney+ leading the way.
Hasbro President and COO John Frascotti Announces Retirement Plans
Hasbro’s president and chief operating officer, John Frascotti, has revealed his plans to retire from his current position with the global toy company when his contract comes to an end on March 31, 2021.
Walmart Sells Majority Stake in Asda
Walmart has agreed to sell UK supermarket chain Asda for £6.8bn ($8.7bn), bringing to an end two decades of ownership of the Northern chain.
The Walt Disney Company to Host Investor Day 2020 Presentation on October 7th
The Walt Disney Company announced that they will be hosting Investor Day 2020 on October 7th at 9:00am EST (6am PST, 2pm BST).
IDW Expands Executive Team and Announces Promotions
Following the news of Chris Ryall's departure from IDW in July, the company today announces changes to their executive team and promotions.
Manhattan Beach Studios, Home to The Mandalorian, Sells for $650 Million
Manhattan Beach Studios, home to multiple sound stages on its 22-acre, 587,000-square-foot facility, has been sold to real estate firm Hackman Capital in a $650 million deal. The studios have been recently used for production of The Mandalorian and the Avatar sequels.
LEGO Sees 2020 First Half Sales and Profits Increase In Part Due to Star Wars
The LEGO Group has recorded increases in both sales and profits for the first half of 2020, facing down the challenges caused by COVID-19. The top-performing themes were Technic, Star Wars, Classic, Disney Princess, Harry Potter, and Speed Champions.
Rubies UK and Bristol Novelty to Merge Operations in Response to COVID-19
Rubies Masquerade and Bristol Novelty have detailed the merger of its operations and office functions in a forward looking move to house all of its products under one banner as the industry begins to shake itself off from the effects of COVID-19 and lockdown.
DreamToys 2020 Goes Digital in the UK Due to COVID-19
DreamToys, by the UK Toy Retailers Association, is the most authoritative predictive list of what will be hot this Christmas in the UK, but due to COVID-19 this years event will take place digitally.
UK Retail Sales Lift by 3.2 Per Cent in July, Still ‘Little Cause for Optimism’
UK retail sales have risen 3.2% for July, the British Retail Consortium has confirmed, but suggests that the lift should provide "little cause for optimism" as many high street shops continue to struggle.
The Walt Disney Company Reports 4th Quarter and Full Year Earnings for Fiscal 2019
The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) today reported earnings for its fourth quarter and fiscal year ended September 28, 2019. Whilst attendance may have been down at the parks, it would seem that we all spent more!
The Entertainer Bucks High Street Trend As Profits Soar
The Entertainer are bucking high street trends with rising sales and profits.
Disney Names New Leadership for Disneyland, Walt Disney World and Disneyland Paris
Following the departure of Catherine Powell as President of Disney Parks West, the Walt Disney Company have named new leadership for Disneyland, Walt Disney World and Disneyland Paris.
Bob Iger: George Lucas ‘Didn’t Hide his Disappointment’ with The Force Awakens
George Lucas didn't hide his feelings about The Force Awakens, and now four years later Disney CEO Bob Iger has relived Lucas' disappointment in his autobiographical memoir, released Monday.
Bob Iger: Our Initial Star Wars Plans Were “Too Much, Too Fast”
In a interview published this weekend in the New York Times, Bog Iger admitted that may have overextended the Star Wars franchise, possibly being too ambitious after the acquisition of Lucasfilm.
The LEGO Group with Mark Ronson Inspire Kids to Rebuild the World
The LEGO Group and musician Mark Ronson launch Rebuild The World, a campaign to help nurture the creative skills of the next generation.