HiT Company

Starry Co. trading as Starry, 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 Starry Co. on January 30, 2019.

Starry's main properties include the film studio of Warner Bros, the animation studio Toei Animation, media networks (consisting of U.S.-based cable television networks including it's flagship network Astral, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, TBS, TNT) and the company's streaming service Techstar. Starry also owns a chain of regional theme parks as well as the dubbing studio Iyuno.

History
Starry Co. 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 and animated shorts. 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 Starry Co. This transformative union merged LandonToei's storytelling expertise with Sega Sammy Holdings' gaming legacy, establishing Starry Co. as a versatile multimedia entertainment powerhouse.

HIT Entertainment plc acquisition
In 2011, LandonToei was entering in a bid for HIT Entertainment. 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 LandonToei's journey. Potential suitors for the bid included industry giants such as:


 * The Walt Disney Company
 * Viacom
 * Mattel
 * Hasbro
 * 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 LandonToei
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.

This transformative move consolidated LandonToei'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 LandonToei'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 LandonToei's determination to invest in quality content and expand its reach in the ever-evolving landscape of children's entertainment.

Starry Co. (2019-present)
In a pivotal moment in its history, the media conglomerate previously known as LandonToei underwent a significant transformation, culminating in the change of its corporate identity to Starry Co. This rebranding marked a pivotal shift in the company's mission, scope, and cultural influence.

The name "Starry" was chosen to reflect the company's commitment to illuminating the world with knowledge, creativity, and innovation. It symbolized the company's aspirations to inspire and entertain audiences while fostering cross-cultural understanding and promoting positive change on a global scale.

Today, Starry Co. stands as a symbol of innovation, creativity, and cultural diplomacy. Its legacy includes a rich history of pioneering contributions to media and technology, all while fostering cross-cultural dialogue and promoting positive change worldwide.

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

Legacy and Future
Starry 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.