Mattel take-over

[jleight]

  I've been hearing a lot of discussion that Mattel is taking over the Thomas the Tank Train products. Can anyone tell me the full truth and how it will affect the production of Thomas and his friends at Bachmann?

[thomasj219]

Not much is known, but likely not at all.

[Cheeky_ULP]

Not very likely. HiT was already owned by Apax, which happened in 2006 (post Calling All Engines I'll remind), and nothing different happened to the show or its merchandise.

[richg]

A link from an Internet search.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-15430842

Rich

[Artieiii]

I am guessing that the deal will not effect Bachmann.  They have to pay royalties to produce Thomas products now as long as they continue to pay royalty fees they can still produce their products.  Bachmann will simply have to cut a check to Mattel.
Just my .02
-Art