Hasbro and Mattel rumored to be in merger talks

[Al-1701]

I think this is an anti-trust suit waiting to happen.  Hasbro and Mattel have consumed almost all of the American toy production between each other.  The combined company would control 95% of American-brand toy sales.

[Carrehz]

I like both companies a lot, but I hope Mattel stays Mattel--their rivalry is kinda like DC and Marvel to me and it would be weird for one to absorb the other.

Heh, this is how I feel about it, too.

Well, I'm just gonna wait and see what happens; no point getting het up about it and then have it turn out to just be a rumour or something, if that makes sense (edit - I just realized this came out wrong.. I'm not trying to tell other people how to react, just explaining my own view on it all hope that makes sense)

[reanna-mator]

Hopefully all of the creative minds involved with both companies will work together and we'll get some really amazing toys out of it 

This is what I would hope! My Little Pony as a brand isn't going anywhere, that can be certain. It would be neat to see some more side runs of toys, something new and inspired while the main line continues.

[TheBeatlesPkmnFan42]

I can't imagine they'll be allowed to do this. As some of the people in the linked thread said, it's super monopolistic.

[LadyMoondancer]

Yeah, the largest toy company and the 3rd largest toy company merging does seem like an anti-trust suit waiting to happen.  That said, in this political environment I could see it happening.

I'd prefer them to remain separate companies, though; it seems healthier.

[Leave a Whisper]

Hmm. I don't see how this could mean any good for Matel. Granted, I'm not a fan, but Matel's dolls , playsets and accessories are leaps and bounds above Hasbro's in terms of quality and variety. Hasbro'd just ruin it with their ever increasing sameness, cheapness and suckitude. Matel should stay Matel, which is an icon in the toy industry and Hasbro should stay Hasbro, which does better in other areas

Just from a MH perspective, QC on MH dolls has been slowly degrading for a while now. Even in the old style MH, though, there were big issues with things like glue seepage in the hair (a problem Hasbro dolls don't have as far as I know). True, the newer dolls don't seem to have the issue, but they do have clunkier joints or other issues.

I think the big problem with some of these is an attempt to compete so I think if they did merge, it might be good for all concerned as those creative powers would be working together, rather than against each other. Hasbro have already pumped the Jem concept into EQG. I wonder what the dying MH and EAH type brands might do for EQG if that were to be a factor. Hard to say at this point.

I think it would have a bigger impact for doll lines than from MLP itself. That's always been Hasbro's baby, and I don't think it will change.

Ah.

Post Merge: November 12, 2017, 09:43:25 AM

I can imagine Barbie looking like those Disney dolls or EQG dolls... nope nope nope and nope lol
Seriously though, do we really want Hasbro to be the only one in the toy aisle. With issues on both quality and distribution (while I know Mattel may have many of those issue as well I see them get many of their items out faster in some areas than Hasbro)

Urgh.

[invaderhorizongreen]

This has caught my interest, I am on a wait and see approach at this time. As for toy lines the only thing I would hope for is better quality.

[lalalei2001]

If Hasbro is #1 and Mattel is #3 what's the 2nd-largest toy company?

[Al-1701]

If Hasbro is #1 and Mattel is #3 what's the 2nd-largest toy company?

LEGO

[achab1984]

This is going to be interesting! I cant wait to see what happens to the toys if it does!

[Sunset]

Hmmm, I feel like competition is a good thing in this case.  If one company owns 70% of the toy isle then where is the incentive to improve and innovate?  It could mean fewer choices in the long run.

But, this could all come to nothing so I'm not going to worry about it.

[Crystal-Sushi]

Maybe it'll cause MGA, Spin Master and Moose to step up their respective games? Good products always come out of a nice competitive atmosphere 

[DazzleKitty]

I love both companies. Would like to get some new minds involved in MLP.

[Cadence]

MLP-themed Hot Wheels would be cool... 

[Rainbow Dash]

MLP-themed Hot Wheels would be cool... 

Awww yeah, I'd be all over those!

I was thinking Transformers Hot Wheels but I'll take MLP Hot Wheels too.