Hasbro Inc. has acquired Boulder Media, a multi-award winning Irish animation company based in Dublin.
Boulder has produced a variety of award-winning series for Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, Disney and BBC.
As a wholly-owned subsidiary, Boulder will continue to produce animated series on behalf of third-party clients, in addition to producing animation projects for Hasbro’s best-known brands.
Terms of the transaction, which closed on July 13, were not disclosed.
“At Hasbro, we’re building our brands through storytelling and today we’re telling richer stories across more platforms than ever before,” said Brian Goldner, Hasbro's chairman, president and CEO.
“We are also reinventing traditional modalities of animation production, both creatively and financially. With Boulder, we will deliver the highest quality animation that will engage our audiences with deep storytelling and great characters in a very cost-efficient manner.”
Founded in 2000 by Robert Cullen, Boulder is one of the fastest growing animation studios in Ireland with approximately 150 fulltime employees.
Boulder will retain its brand and report into Stephen Davis who leads Hasbro’s entertainment and consumer products licensing division.
In February 2016, Hasbro was ranked No. 3 on Fast Company’s list of Most Innovative Companies in Hollywood.
“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, EVP 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.”
“Boulder and Hasbro have ambitious plans for growth, and working together,” said Robert Cullen, creative director, Boulder.
Hasbro acquires Irish Animation Studio Boulder Media
Hasbro acquires Irish Animation Studio Boulder Media
Social Development Bank launches entrepreneurship forum ‘DeveGo 2025’ in Riyadh
The Social Development Bank has launched the second edition of the Entrepreneurship and Modern Business Practices Forum, known as DeveGo 2025, at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh. The event runs from Dec. 21 to 23, under the patronage of Minister of Human Resources and Social Development and Chairman of SDB’s Board of Directors Ahmed bin Sulaiman Alrajhi. This landmark forum positions itself as the region’s leading platform for entrepreneurship, innovation, and setting the latest trends in modern work practices, bringing together local and international entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders. This year’s edition is being held under the theme “Don’t start from zero… start from DeveGo.”
DeveGo 2025 serves as a comprehensive national platform showcasing the latest trends in entrepreneurship through a range of diverse panel discussions, workshops, and other initiatives. The forum brings together an elite group of local and international entrepreneurs, investors, experts, government leaders, as well as prominent global figures in innovation and entrepreneurship, including Rebeca Grynspan, secretary-general of the UN Conference on Trade and Development, futurist Ian Khan, and Jonathan Greechan, CEO of the Founder Institute, among other experts, thought leaders, and entrepreneurs. Their participation reinforces the forum’s international focus and enriches its agenda by enabling the sharing of the latest knowledge and experiences from diverse global markets.
DeveGo 2025 will witness the launch of a package of supportive programs and initiatives, including new financial products specifically designed to meet the needs of entrepreneurs and startups, in addition to the signing of strategic agreements and partnerships aimed at stimulating entrepreneurial ventures, creating opportunities, and empowering the most promising projects — all while opening new pathways for growth. The forum will also host the “NEXT UP Challenge,” which will enable 20 startups to showcase their innovative projects and solutions before a panel of experts and specialists, while offering entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to connect with more than 50 local investors during the third day of the forum.
In addition, the forum will host the “DeveGo Handicrafts Competition,” which celebrates high-quality small enterprises that have evolved into impactful success stories with clear economic and social impact.
The “Salam Award for Promising Projects” will be given in collaboration with Saudi Telecom Integrated Company, or Salam, to encourage entrepreneurs and startup owners to present their projects in a smart and simplified manner, on social media platforms.
Furthermore, DeveGo 2025 offers participants and visitors a comprehensive, interactive, and knowledge-driven experience designed to enhance awareness of the entrepreneurship ecosystem, as well as financial and non-financial programs. This will include training and consultancy services to support growth across three main tracks: the “Inspiration Zone,” focusing on modern technologies and the creative economy; the “Growth Zone,” dedicated to modern business models, flexible work, franchising, and business development; and the “Entrepreneurship Zone,” which highlights future economic trends, venture capital, and sustainability.
The forum is expected to attract more than 25,000 visitors over three days, who will benefit from specialized workshops and advisory sessions delivered by more than 50 consultants and experts, providing an integrated experience in business development, guidance, and innovation.
