Posted in: Collectibles, Games, Hasbro | Tagged: bandai, hasbro, mighty morphin power rangers, power rangers, saban, toy fair, toy fair 2018

Power Rangers Toy License Leaves Bandai for Hasbro, in Shocking Move

Published Fri, 16 Feb 2018 13:10:58 -0600

by Jeremy Konrad

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Power Rangers toys have a new home. After the shocking announcement yesterday that after a 25-year partnership, Saban and Bandai would be parting ways, today it is confirmed ahead of tomorrow's New York Toy Fair that the brand will have a new home at Hasbro. The first products will be available in February of next year after the current deal with Bandai runs out. Not only that, Hasbro will be purchasing the brand in its entirety. Wow. Read the press release below.

Today, Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ:HAS), a global play and entertainment company, and Saban Brands announced that Hasbro has been named the global master toy licensee for Saban's Power Rangers. Under the terms of the agreement and in collaboration with Saban Brands, Hasbro will design, produce and bring to market a wide variety of toys, games and role play items inspired by the franchise and its entertainment properties. Hasbro will hold the worldwide rights, excluding Japan and certain other Asian markets, effective as of April 1, 2019.

"We are honored to create a world of play experiences for such an iconic action brand," said Brian Goldner, Chairman and CEO of Hasbro. "Saban's Power Rangers are universally recognized and their hallmark attributes of teamwork and inclusivity perfectly align with our core values at Hasbro."

"Hasbro leads the way in brand storytelling and creating engaging experiences across its exceptional portfolio of blockbuster and partner brands," said Haim Saban, founder of Saban Brands and creator of Power Rangers. "Quality, innovation and a focus on designing dynamic products for fans of all ages makes Hasbro a great partner for Power Rangers."

Created by Haim Saban and launched in 1993, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers quickly became a pop culture phenomenon. Today, Power Rangers is one of the longest running kids' live-action series in television history with nearly 900 episodes produced to date. The TV series, currently in its 25^th season with Power Rangers Super Ninja Steel, and feature films, including 2017's movie with Lionsgate, follows the adventures of a group of ordinary teens who morph into superheroes and save the world from evil. Saban's Power Rangers currently airs in 150 markets around the world and is translated into numerous languages.

The first set of products from Hasbro will be available in spring 2019. Both Hasbro and Saban Brands are dedicated to continue growing this iconic brand. In recognition of this investment, during a period of time after Hasbro becomes the master toy licensee, the arrangement between the parties provides Saban Brands and Hasbro with the opportunity to initiate Hasbro's purchase of the Power Rangers property.