Dreamworks Animation & Hasbro To Merge???

Deadline has posted a story that says Dreamworks Animation and Hasbro have begun talks about the possibility of a merger. The new family entertainment powerhouse would be called DreamWorks-Hasbro.

Similar rumors popped up about a year ago when reports began to make rounds that Disney was looking to purchase Hasbro. It's no secret that Hasbro has been trying to emerge as a leader in family entertainment. The recent failed joint-venture between The Discovery Channel and Hasbro to form The Hub network was one such attempt.

There is no doubt that there would be advantages for both companies if such a merger happened, but one big drawback I could foresee is Hasbro's ability to keep the licenses for some of their biggest brands. Dreamworks' rival Disney is the license holder for both Marvel and Star Wars. Would Disney be willing to let Hasbro continue to hold those licenses if they merged with Dreamworks?