HIT Entertainment, which owns such established brand franchises as Thomas the Tank Engine, Bob the Builder, Angelina Ballerina and Barney the Dinosaur, is struggling financially. According to the Telegraph, the money woes may cause HIT's parent (Apax Partners) to sell Thomas, considered to be the company's strongest brand. Disney is said to be thinking about acquiring Thomas.Thomas has been at the center of controversy in recent weeks, accused by Professor Wilton (at the University of Alberta in Canada) of being conservative and sexist.
Still, children have enjoyed the brand for decades and it should have a fine future under a supportive parent.
