HiT Company

HiT Company, trading as HiT, is a Japanese-American multinational mass media and entertainment conglomerate headquartered at Minato in Tokyo and Crystal City, Virginia. The company was formed in 2004, as LandonToei Co. through the merger of Landon Studios and Toei Company. The company changed its name to HiT Company on January 30, 2019.

HiT's main properties include the film studio of HiT Studios (consists of Paramount), the animation studio Toei Animation, media networks (consisting of U.S.-based cable television networks including HiT Network, CBS, MTV, Comedy Central, VH1, BET, & Nickelodeon) and the company's streaming services (including HiTV, Pluto TV, and Noggin). The company also owns local broadcast stations like ITV in the UK, Fuji TV in Japan, and Nine in Australia. HiT owns a chain of regional theme parks as well as the dubbing studio Iyuno.

History
HiT Company traces its origins to the merger of two iconic entertainment studios, Landon Studios and Toei.


 * Landon Studios, founded in 1910, originally started as a small production company focused on silent films. Over the decades, it evolved into a major global film studio, celebrated for its iconic characters, innovative storytelling, and commitment to cinematic excellence.
 * Toei, established in 1956, quickly gained recognition for its influential anime series and feature films, captivating audiences in Japan and worldwide with its creative prowess.

The merger of these industry giants in the early 21st century resulted in the formation of LandonToei. This strategic collaboration allowed them to adapt to the evolving entertainment landscape, producing blockbuster films, captivating animated series, and pioneering live-action shows.

However, the story didn't end there. The digital era ushered in new opportunities for growth. Concurrently, Sega Sammy Holdings, a renowned gaming company famous for franchises like Sonic the Hedgehog and Virtua Fighter, was also exploring avenues for expansion.

Recognizing the potential for synergy, LandonToei and Sega Sammy Holdings embarked on an ambitious merger, birthing HiT Company. This transformative union merged LandonToei's storytelling expertise with Sega Sammy Holdings' gaming legacy, establishing HiT Company as a versatile multimedia entertainment powerhouse.

Renaming to HiT Company
In 2019, HiT Company underwent a significant rebranding. The name change from LandonToei to HiT Company was prompted by their successful bid for HIT Entertainment plc. This acquisition marked a pivotal moment in the company's history and diversified its portfolio further.

Bidding War for HIT Entertainment plc
The bid for HIT Entertainment plc in 2011 was a turning point in HiT Company's journey. Potential suitors for the bid included industry giants such as:


 * The Walt Disney Company
 * Viacom (which HiT later acquired as Paramount Global)
 * Mattel
 * Hasbro (later acquired by HiT Company)
 * Classic Media
 * Chorion
 * Saban Brands

Mattel's Bid
Mattel, eager to expand its presence in the entertainment sector and diversify its portfolio beyond toys, made a competitive bid for HIT Entertainment plc. The company saw an opportunity to integrate HIT Entertainment's characters into its toy lines and leverage their popularity to boost its own offerings.

LandonToei's Vision
LandonToei, on the other hand, had a different vision for HIT Entertainment plc. They recognized the potential to create immersive and engaging content for children, leveraging their expertise in animation and storytelling. They envisioned a future where HIT Entertainment's characters could be brought to life through captivating animated series and compelling narratives.

Emergence of HiT Company
In a hard-fought battle, LandonToei emerged victorious, securing the acquisition of HIT Entertainment plc. This significant milestone marked the beginning of a new era for the company. The merger with HIT Entertainment plc played a pivotal role in reshaping the company's identity and strategic direction.

The Transformation into HiT Company
Following the successful acquisition of HIT Entertainment plc, LandonToei underwent a significant rebranding effort. In 2019, the company officially renamed itself HiT Company, symbolizing its commitment to enriching lives through captivating and innovative entertainment experiences.

This transformative move consolidated HiT Company's position as a global entertainment powerhouse, combining the storytelling expertise of LandonToei with the rich intellectual properties of HIT Entertainment. The acquisition also reinforced HiT Company's dedication to creating high-quality children's content that inspires, educates, and entertains young audiences around the world.

The victory in the bidding war against Mattel underscored HiT Company's determination to invest in quality content and expand its reach in the ever-evolving landscape of children's entertainment.

Divisions
HiT Company is organized into several key divisions:


 * 1) HiT Films: Responsible for producing and distributing feature films across various genres.
 * 2) *Paramount Pictures: A subsidiary of HiT Films, known for its contributions to the entertainment industry.
 * 3) HiT Television: Focused on the production of television series and programs.
 * 4) HOT Animation: Specializes in the creation of animated content, appealing to a wide range of audiences.
 * 5) *Toei Animation: Produces iconic anime series and films.
 * 6) *David Production: Specializes in producing anime adaptations of manga and novels.
 * 7) *TMS Entertainment: Known for a diverse range of anime productions.
 * 8) *HOT Motion: A stop-motion animation studio based in Manchester.
 * 9) *The Landon Team: Produces animated content for HiT's 2 IPs and is the copyright holder for both the Landon series and the Equestrian Universe.
 * 10) HiT Entertainment: Handles global distribution and licensing of HiT Company's content to international markets.
 * 11) HiT Interactive: Manages the conglomerate's online presence, including websites, social media, and digital marketing.
 * 12) *Sega Sammy Holdings: A subsidiary of HiT Interactive that focuses on video game development and publishing.
 * 13) HiT Theme Parks: Operates amusement parks and entertainment complexes inspired by HiT Company's popular franchises.
 * 14) *Cedar Fair: Known for its amusement parks and entertainment resorts.
 * 15) *Hard Rock Café: Known for its rock 'n' roll-themed restaurants and entertainment venues.
 * 16) *Planet Hollywood: Known for its movie-themed restaurants.
 * 17) *Joypolis: Known for its arcade themed style and futuristic rides. Originally under Sega Sammy.

Mission
HiT Company's mission statement underscores its dedication to the power of storytelling and entertainment:

"HiT Company is committed to enriching lives worldwide through captivating and innovative entertainment experiences. We believe that the magic of multimedia storytelling can inspire, educate, and entertain, transcending cultural divides and resonating across generations."

Global Presence
HiT Company's global presence is far-reaching, with offices, production facilities, and distribution networks spanning major cities and regions worldwide. This international footprint enables HiT Company to create content that resonates with diverse audiences and cultures.

Legacy and Future
HiT Company today represents the convergence of rich legacies within the entertainment industry. Together, they continue to shape the future of multimedia entertainment, delivering memorable and meaningful content to audiences of all ages worldwide.