eone

eOne, short for Entertainment One Ltd., is a Canadian multinational entertainment company that develops, acquires, produces, distributes, and markets film, television, and music content. Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, it operates globally through divisions including Film, Television, Family & Brands, and Music, with rights management and distribution activities across multiple territories.

History: The company traces its origins to 2000, when it began as a Canadian film distributor founded by Darren Throop. It grew through acquisitions and strategic expansion, notably acquiring Alliance Films in 2012 to bolster its film distribution and production capabilities. Over time, eOne pursued a model focused on owning intellectual property and building a diversified catalog across formats and markets, expanding its presence in Europe, North America, and beyond.

Expansion and content strategy: eOne built a broad portfolio that included mainstream and children’s properties, independent film titles, and television projects. It developed and distributed content for international audiences and established relationships with broadcasters, streaming platforms, and other distribution partners. The company also maintained a music division to manage and distribute recorded music and related rights.

Acquisition by Hasbro: In 2019, Hasbro announced and completed the acquisition of eOne for approximately $4 billion, bringing its film and television operations under Hasbro’s corporate umbrella and integrating eOne’s production capabilities with Hasbro’s IP slate. Following the deal, eOne continued to operate as a Hasbro subsidiary in various markets, aligning its activities with Hasbro’s studio and content strategy.

Legacy and status: The acquisition positioned Hasbro to leverage eOne’s production capacity, distribution networks, and content libraries to expand cross-media storytelling across film, television, and children’s content.