Barbie gets together with Bob the Builder

Mattel, the world’s biggest toymaker, acquired Hit Entertainment Ltd. for $680 million (€493 million) from a group led by private equity firm Apax Partner Funds.

Mattel, the owner of brands including Barbie, Ken and Hot Wheels, bought Hit Entertainment in a combination of cash and debt, the California-based company said in a press release today. Hit Entertainment owns the rights to British children’s characters Bob the Builder, Thomas the Tank Engine and Barney.