U.S. toy company Hasbro Inc (HAS.O), maker of games ranging from Monopoly to foam Nerf balls, has ended talks to acquire U.S. movie studio and entertainment firm Lionsgate Entertainment Corp (LGFa.N), people familiar with the matter told Reuters on Wednesday.

The deal would have strengthened Hasbro's ability to produce more movies and TV shows tied to its toy brands. The company already has its own Hasbro Studios, and has worked with Viacom Inc's (VIAB.O) Paramount Pictures on the "Transformers" and "G.I. Joe" film franchises.

The negotiations ended last week because of price disagreements, the sources said, asking not to be identified because the talks were confidential. It is not clear whether negotiations could restart in the future.

Lionsgate declined to comment. Hasbro did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Lionsgate shares were trading almost flat at US$29.27 in midday trading, giving the company market value of close to US$5.9 billion. Hasbro shares fell 2 percent to US$103.69.

 

LIONSGATE: TOP-GROSSING FILMS (U.S. DOMESTIC BOX OFFICE)

Rank Title Year Domestic gross
1 The Hunger Games: Catching Fire 2013 $424,668,047
2 The Hunger Games 2012 $408,010,692
3 The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 2014 $337,135,885
4 The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2 2012 $292,324,737
5 The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2 2015 $281,723,902
6 The Day After Tomorrow 2004 $186,740,799
7 La La Land 2016 $151,101,803
8 Divergent 2014 $150,947,895
9 The Divergent Series: Insurgent 2015 $130,179,072
10 Fahrenheit 9/11 2004 $119,194,771

- Data courtesy of Box Office Mojo

A deal for Lionsgate would have come a year after it acquired premium U.S. television network Starz in a US$4.4 billion cash-and-stock deal, aimed at making it less dependent on delivering blockbuster movies.

The deal brought under one roof the movie studio behind hit movies such as "La La Land" and "The Hunger Games" with U.S. pay television channels with more than 30 million people.

Lionsgate Chairman Mark Rachesky's hedge fund MHR Fund Management LLC is the company's largest shareholder. Media mogul John Malone, who is also a shareholder, has a seat on the company's board as well.

Hasbro expects to release several movies later this year, including "Star Wars: The Last Jedi," "My Little Pony: The Movie," and "Thor: Ragnarok." It is also due to release the animated feature "My Little Pony" under its Allspark movie label.