Hasbro in talks to buy DreamWorks Animation: NYT

[NEW YORK] Toymaker Hasbro Inc is in talks to buy Hollywood studio DreamWorks Animation SKG Inc, the New York Times reported, citing people briefed on the matter.

Under the proposed deal, Hasbro would pay a mix of cash and stock, though an exact price has not been determined yet, the newspaper reported. DreamWorks spokesman Matthew Lifson and Hasbro spokeswoman Julie Duffy said separately that the companies do not comment on rumors and speculation.

The talks with Hasbro come more than a month after discussions with Japan's Softbank fell apart, with one source citing price as a dissuading factor.

Negotiations between the Hasbro and DreamWorks are continuing and may still fall apart, the newspaper quoted the people as saying.

DreamWorks shares closed at US$22.37, giving it a market value of US$1.91 billion. Hasbro stock closed at US$57.47, with a market capitalization of US$7.22 billion.

REUTERS