Hasbro to Acquire Wizards of the Coast

Hasbro to Acquire Wizards of the Coast is today’s industry move, and it is one more reminder that the games business is growing up fast, whether it is ready or not.

Hasbro and Wizards of the Coast they have entered into a definitive agreement for Hasbro to acquire Wizards of the Coast, the world’s largest publisher of hobby games and a leading publisher of fantasy and science fiction literature. The purchase price is approximately $325 million, subject to adjustment based on the audited net assets of Wizards of the Coast at closing, and certain contingent payment rights. The waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act has expired, and the transaction is expected to be completed by the end of September of 1999.

It is business news, sure, but these moves shape what games get made, what stores carry them, and who is still standing next year.