How much is an idea worth?

Prices actually paid, as their sources report them: what companies paid for brands, books, inventions and studios that came from outside.

Business agreement handshake at coffee shop — rawpixel.com, CC0

Prices paid

2026
Focus Features · Obsession from its producers $15 million
“Focus' most successful release both domestically and worldwide is Obsession (2026), which the company acquired for $15 million” en.wikipedia.org
2026
Scholastic · Cottage Door Press $71 million
“On September 29, 2026, Scholastic announced that it would acquire Cottage Door Press for $71 million, excluding its Luna StoryTime business, which will be spun-off and continued to be led by its founder and CEO, Dick Maddrell.” en.wikipedia.org
2025
PepsiCo · Poppi (prebiotic soda) from Allison and Stephen Ellsworth (founders) $1.95 billion
“In March 2025, PepsiCo announced it would acquire Poppi for $1.95 billion.” en.wikipedia.org
2025
Lowe's · Foundation Building Materials from Foundation Building Materials $8.8 billion
“Lowe's agreed to acquire Foundation Building Materials for $8.8 billion in cash in August 2025, purchasing the home improvement supplier with the intention of expanding into the business that serves contractors and builders. [ 26 ]” en.wikipedia.org
2024
Skydance · National Amusements and merger with Paramount Global (closed 2025) from the Redstone family's National Amusements and Paramount shareholders $8 billion
“On July 7, 2024, Skydance announced its intent to merge with Paramount Global in an $8 billion transaction, under an agreement in which Skydance would acquire Paramount's controlling shareholder National Amusements, and then perform an all-stock merger with the company.” en.wikipedia.org
2024
Spin Master · Melissa & Doug from Melissa & Doug (owned by AEA Investors) $950 million
“Spin Master, a global children’s entertainment company, has completed its previously announced acquisition of U.S.-based Melissa & Doug, an early childhood play brand, for $950 million.” licenseglobal.com
2024
Scholastic · 9 Story Media Group (animation studio) $186 million
“In March 2024, Scholastic announced it would acquire complete economic interest and minority voting rights in the company for $186 million; the transaction closed on June 21, 2024.” en.wikipedia.org
2022
Hasbro · D&D Beyond from Fandom $146.3 million
“On April 13, 2022, Hasbro announced its acquisition of D&D Beyond for $146.3 million, with plans to officially support previous purchases made on the service and have it be absorbed into Hasbro's Wizards of the Coast.” en.wikipedia.org
2022
PlayStation · Bungie (Destiny) from its owners $3.6 billion
“Sony Interactive Entertainment completed its acquisition of Bungie in July 2022, valued at $3.6 billion, with Bungie remaining a multi-platform studio and publisher.…” en.wikipedia.org
2022
Microsoft Xbox · Activision Blizzard from its shareholders $68.7 billion
“On January 18, 2022, Microsoft announced its intent to acquire Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion in an all-cash deal, or approximately $95 per share.” en.wikipedia.org
2022
Take-Two Interactive · Zynga (FarmVille) from its shareholders $12.7 billion
“Take-Two Interactive announced in January 2022 its intent to buy Zynga for $12.7 billion. [ 20 ] The deal was completed in May 2022. [ 21 ]” en.wikipedia.org
2022
Mondelēz International · Clif Bar & Company from Gary Erickson and Kit Crawford (owners) $2.9 billion
“CHICAGO — Mondelez International Inc. on Monday announced an agreement to acquire Clif Bar & Company, leading U.S. maker of nutritious energy bars with organic ingredients, for $2.9 billion with additional contingent earnout consideration.” foodmanufacturing.com
2021
Netflix · Rights to two Knives Out sequels from the Knives Out franchise (first film distributed by Lionsgate) $469 million
“A sequel was greenlit by its original distributor Lionsgate in 2020, but in March 2021 Netflix bought the rights to two Knives Out sequels for $469 million.” en.wikipedia.org
2021
Amazon MGM Studios · Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) from MGM Holdings' owners $8.45 billion
“On May 26, 2021, it was announced that the studio would be acquired by Amazon for $8.45 billion, subject to regulatory approval,” en.wikipedia.org
2021
Apple TV+ · CODA (Sundance) from its producers $25 million
“CODA had its world premiere on January 28, 2021, at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival, where Apple acquired its distribution rights for a festival-record $25 million.” en.wikipedia.org
2021
Spin Master · Rubik's Cube (Rubik's Brand Ltd.) from Rubik's Brand Ltd. US$50-million
“Canadian toymaker Spin Master Corp. has solved the Rubik’s Cube, completing a US$50-million acquisition of the legendary multi-coloured cube.” globalnews.ca
2021
Electronic Arts · Codemasters from its shareholders $1.2 billion
“"Codemasters Group Holdings plc" was the holding company of Codemasters, which was publicly traded and owned Codemasters until being purchased by EA in 2021 for $1.2 billion.” en.wikipedia.org
2021
Electronic Arts · Glu Mobile from its shareholders $2.4 billion
“As of April 2021, [ update ] Electronic Arts' largest acquisition is the purchase of Glu Mobile, for $2.4 billion.” en.wikipedia.org
2021
Roblox · Guilded (chat platform) from Guilded, Inc. $90 million
“Guilded was a VoIP, instant messaging, and digital distribution platform designed & developed by Guilded, Inc. and was bought by Roblox Corporation on August 16, 2021, for $90 million with it now being considered an independent product group.…” en.wikipedia.org
2021
Toyota · Lyft Level 5 (self-driving division) from Lyft US$550 million
“In April 2021, Woven by Toyota (then Woven Planet Holdings) agreed to acquire Lyft 's Level 5 self-driving vehicle division. [ 15 ] Financing included US$550 million in cash with $200 million paid upfront and $350 million of payments over five year period.” en.wikipedia.org
2021
Uber · Drizly (alcohol delivery) from Nick Rellas, Justin Robinson, Spencer Frazier $1.1 billion
“In October 2021, Uber acquired the company for $1.1 billion in cash and stock. [ 10 ]” en.wikipedia.org
2021
HarperCollins · HMH Books & Media (trade division of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt $349 million
“On 29 March 2021, HarperCollins announced that it would acquire HMH Books & Media, the trade publishing division of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, for $349 million.” en.wikipedia.org
2021
Hachette Book Group · Workman Publishing $240m
“Hachette Book Group has announced that it is to acquire Workman Publishing, an independent publisher in the US, for $240m (£174m).” thebookseller.com
2020
Apple TV+ · Cherry (Russo brothers, Tom Holland) from its producers around $40 million
“In September 2020, Apple officially acquired the film Cherry, directed by Anthony and Joe Russo and starring Tom Holland, for around $40 million.” en.wikipedia.org
2020
Apple TV+ · Emancipation (Will Smith, Antoine Fuqua), after a bidding war from its producers $105 million
“Apple paid a record $105 million for the rights.” en.wikipedia.org
2020
Hulu · Palm Springs (Sundance acquisition, with Neon) from the film's producers $17,500,000.69
“Neon and Hulu reportedly paid $17,500,000.69 for the film, breaking the previous record for the highest sale of a film from Sundance by $0.69.” en.wikipedia.org
2020
Microsoft Xbox · ZeniMax Media (Bethesda) from its owners $7.5 billion
“In September 2020, Microsoft announced it had entered into an agreement to acquire ZeniMax and its subsidiaries for $7.5 billion.…” en.wikipedia.org
2020
PepsiCo · Rockstar Energy from Rockstar Energy $3.85 billion
“In 2020, PepsiCo acquired Rockstar Energy for $3.85 billion.” en.wikipedia.org
2020
Uber · Careem from Careem (Dubai ride-hailing) $3.1 billion
“In January 2020, the company was acquired by Uber for $3.1 billion, including US$ 1.4 billion in cash and US$ 1.7 billion in convertible notes,…” en.wikipedia.org
2020
Uber · Postmates from Postmates Inc. US$2.65 billion
“In December 2020, Uber acquired Postmates for US$2.65 billion. [ 21 ] [ 22 ] [ 23 ]” en.wikipedia.org
2019
Banijay · Endemol Shine Group from Disney and Apollo $2.2 billion
“On 22 October 2019, Banijay officially announced its intent to acquire Endemol Shine from Disney and Apollo for over $2.2 billion.” en.wikipedia.org
2019
Hasbro · Entertainment One (eOne), owner of Peppa Pig from Entertainment One US$4 billion
“On December 30, 2019, eOne was acquired by American toy and entertainment company Hasbro for US$4 billion.” en.wikipedia.org
2019
PlayStation · Insomniac Games (Spider-Man) from its owners $229 million
“This would make Insomniac the 14th internal studio with Sony's SIE Worldwide Studios division.…” en.wikipedia.org
2019
The Coca-Cola Company · Costa Coffee from Whitbread $4.9 billion
“It was acquired by Whitbread in 1995, then sold to The Coca-Cola Company in January 2019 in a deal worth $4.9 billion, and has grown to over 4,000 stores across 31 countries and 18,412 employees.” en.wikipedia.org
2019
3M · Acelity / KCI (wound care) from Acelity owners $6.7 billion
“In October 2019, Acelity and its KCI subsidiaries worldwide were acquired by 3M for $6.7 billion, including assumption of debt and other adjustments.” en.wikipedia.org
2019
Tesla · Maxwell Technologies (ultracapacitors, battery tech) from Maxwell Technologies US$218 million
“In February 2019, electric vehicle and clean energy company Tesla, Inc. announced that it planned to acquire Maxwell Technologies.…” en.wikipedia.org
2018
Apple · Shazam from Shazam Entertainment (UK) $400 million
“In December 2017, Apple Inc. announced its acquisition of Shazam for a reported $400 million (£300 million).…” en.wikipedia.org
2018
Microsoft · GitHub from GitHub, Inc. US$7.5 billion
“On June 4, 2018, Microsoft announced its intent to acquire GitHub for US$7.5 billion (~$ 9.46 billion in 2025).…” en.wikipedia.org
2018
Amazon · Ring (video doorbells) from Jamie Siminoff approximately $839 million
“On April 12, 2018, Ring was acquired by Amazon for approximately $839 million.…” en.wikipedia.org
2018
Procter & Gamble · Merck KGaA consumer health division from Merck Group €3.4 billion ($4.2 billion)
“In December 2018, Procter & Gamble completed the acquisition of the consumer health division of Merck Group (known as EMD Serono in North America) for €3.4 billion ($4.2 billion) and renamed it as Procter & Gamble Health Limited in May 2019.” en.wikipedia.org
2018
PepsiCo · SodaStream from SodaStream International shareholders US$ 3.2 billion
“In August 2018, the company was acquired by PepsiCo for US$ 3.2 billion.” en.wikipedia.org
2018
Kraft Heinz · Primal Kitchen from Mark Sisson / Primal Nutrition, L.L.C. $200 million
“In 2018, Kraft purchased Primal Nutrition, L.L.C. and the brand for $200 million and was expected to generate $50 million in profits.” en.wikipedia.org
2018
Mondelēz International · Tate's Bake Shop from Tate's Bake Shop owners some $500 million
“The company was sold to Oreo and Chips Ahoy maker Mondelez International in 2018 for some $500 million, and continues to operate as an independent business.” en.wikipedia.org
2017
Discovery Channel · Scripps Networks Interactive (HGTV, Food Network and others) from Scripps Networks Interactive shareholders $14.6 billion
“On July 31, 2017, Discovery Communications announced that it would acquire Scripps Networks Interactive for $14.6 billion in a cash and stock deal.” en.wikipedia.org
2017
QVC · HSN (remaining 62%) from HSN shareholders $2.1 billion
“On July 6, 2017, QVC's parent company, Liberty Interactive, announced its intention to purchase the remaining 62% of stock it did not already own of HSN, the rival home shopping channel.” en.wikipedia.org
2017
Electronic Arts · Respawn Entertainment (Titanfall, Apex Legends) from its founders US$ 151 million in cash and up to US$164 million in equity
“In November 2017, Electronic Arts acquired the company for US$ 151 million in cash and up to US$164 million in equity. [ 21 ] The acquisition was completed on December 1, 2017. [ 22 ]” en.wikipedia.org
2017
Samsung · Harman International from Harman International Industries $8 billion
“On November 14, 2016, Harman entered into an agreement to be acquired by Samsung Electronics for $8 billion in cash.…” en.wikipedia.org
2017
Walmart · Bonobos from Andy Dunn and Brian Spaly $310 million
“In June 2017, Walmart announced it was purchasing the brand for $310 million, making it a subsidiary within its fashion department. [ 25 ] [ 26 ] [ 27 ] The brand would not be sold in the Walmart stores; instead it would be sold on Walmart's recently purchased Jet.com.” en.wikipedia.org
2017
Target · Shipt (same-day delivery) from Bill Smith $550 million
“On December 13, 2017, Target announced it would acquire Shipt for $550 million to improve its same-day shipping capabilities.…” en.wikipedia.org
2017
Procter & Gamble · Native (natural deodorant) from Native $100 million cash
“Native Deodorant, a San Francisco-based natural deodorant brand, just sold to Procter & Gamble for $100 million cash.” techcrunch.com
2017
The Coca-Cola Company · Topo Chico from Topo Chico $220 million
“In 2017, the Coca-Cola Company purchased Topo-Chico for $220 million.” en.wikipedia.org
2017
3M · Scott Safety from Johnson Controls International $2 billion
“In March 2017, 3M purchased Johnson Controls International Plc's safety gear business, Scott Safety, for $2 billion.” en.wikipedia.org
2017
Stanley Black & Decker · Craftsman from Sears Holdings $900 million
“On January 5, 2017, Stanley Black & Decker announced its intent to acquire the Craftsman brand in a deal with a total value of $900 million (with an up-front payment of $525 million, and a payment of $250 million after three years).” en.wikipedia.org
2017
Nestlé · Blue Bottle Coffee (68% stake) from Blue Bottle founders and investors up to $500m
“While the deal's financial details were not disclosed, the Financial Times reported "Nestle is understood to be paying up to $500m for the 68 per cent stake in Blue Bottle".” en.wikipedia.org
2016
Universal Pictures · DreamWorks Animation from DreamWorks Animation shareholders $3.8 billion
“NBCUniversal acquired DreamWorks Animation for $3.8 billion in 2016.” en.wikipedia.org
2016
Amazon MGM Studios · Manchester by the Sea (US rights, Sundance) from its producers $10 million
“Shortly afterward, Amazon Studios acquired U.S. distribution rights to the film for $10 million,” en.wikipedia.org
2016
VTech · LeapFrog Enterprises from LeapFrog Enterprises $72 million
“On April 4, 2016, VTech completed its $72 million acquisition of LeapFrog. [ 32 ] [ 33 ]” en.wikipedia.org
2016
Activision Blizzard · King (Candy Crush Saga) from its shareholders US$ 5.9 billion
“King was acquired by Activision Blizzard in February 2016 for US$ 5.9 billion.” en.wikipedia.org
2016
Activision Blizzard · Major League Gaming from its owners $46 million
“…On December 31, 2015, it was reported that "substantially all" of Major League Gaming's assets would be acquired by Activision Blizzard.…” en.wikipedia.org
2016
Walmart · Jet.com from Marc Lore $3.3 billion
“In August 2016, The Wall Street Journal reported that Walmart was in talks with Jet.com to acquire the company.…” en.wikipedia.org
2016
Unilever · Dollar Shave Club from Mark Levine and Michael Dubin (founders) and investors a reported $1 billion in cash
“On July 19, 2016, one year after securing $75 million in series D funding, [ 14 ] DSC was acquired by Unilever for a reported $1 billion in cash.” en.wikipedia.org
2016
Unilever · Seventh Generation from Seventh Generation Inc. an estimated $700 million
“In 2016, Anglo-Dutch consumer goods company Unilever acquired Seventh Generation for an estimated $700 million.” en.wikipedia.org
2016
Ford · Chariot (commuter shuttles) from Chariot Transit Inc $65 million
“On September 9, 2016, Ford CEO Mark Fields announced that the Ford Motor Company would be acquiring Chariot Transit Inc via their subsidiary Ford Smart Mobility for $65 million.…” en.wikipedia.org
2016
Lowe's · RONA (Canadian home improvement chain) from RONA inc. $3.2 billion CAD
“Lowe's acquired Rona for $3.2 billion CAD in May 2016.…” en.wikipedia.org
2016
Tesla · SolarCity from Peter and Lyndon Rive $2.6 billion
“On August 1, 2016, Tesla announced that it would be acquiring the company in an all-stock $2.6 billion transaction as Tesla's mission since its inception has been "to accelerate the world's transition to sustainable energy."…” en.wikipedia.org
2015
QVC · Zulily from Zulily $2.4 billion
“In August 2015, QVC acquired the online retailer Zulily for $2.4 billion.” en.wikipedia.org
2015
The Home Depot · Interline Brands (maintenance supply distributor) from Interline Brands $1.6 billion
“In 2015, Interline Brands merged five of its janitorial brands into one unified brand called Supply Works. [ 1 ] [ 2 ] [ 3 ] On July 22, 2015, The Home Depot acquired Interline Brands for $1.6 billion.” en.wikipedia.org
2014
Legendary Entertainment · Asylum Entertainment (TV producer) from Asylum's owners $100 million
“In 2014, Legendary acquired the television producer Asylum Entertainment, which made ESPN 's 30 for 30 and the 2011 miniseries The Kennedys, for $100 million, with Asylum Entertainment to continue operating as a separate company.” en.wikipedia.org
2014
Mattel · Mega Brands (Mega Bloks) from Mega Brands Inc. approximately US$450 million
“On February 28, 2014, it was announced that Mattel, Inc. would acquire Mega Brands Inc. for approximately US$450 million.…” en.wikipedia.org
2014
ZURU · Bunch O Balloons commercial rights from Josh Malone undisclosed sum
“Malone liked what he saw and agreed to sell the commercial rights for an undisclosed sum.” idealog.co.nz
2014
Microsoft Xbox · Mojang (Minecraft) from Markus Persson, Jakob Porsér and Carl Manneh $2.5 billion
“Microsoft announced its agreement to purchase Mojang for $2.5 billion on 15 September 2014.…” en.wikipedia.org
2014
Apple · Beats Electronics from Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine $3 billion
“In May 2014, Apple officially announced its intention to acquire Beats Electronics for $3 billion, with Apple saying it would pay an initial $2.6 billion for Beats, and approximately $400 million "that will vest over time".…” en.wikipedia.org
2014
Google · Nest Labs from Tony Fadell and Matt Rogers $3.2 billion
“On January 13, 2014, Google announced plans to acquire Nest Labs for $3.2 billion in cash.” en.wikipedia.org
2014
Microsoft · Mojang Studios (Minecraft) from Markus Persson, Carl Manneh, Jakob Porsér $2.5 billion
“Microsoft announced its agreement to purchase Mojang for $2.5 billion on 15 September 2014.…” en.wikipedia.org
2014
Meta · WhatsApp from Jan Koum and Brian Acton US$19 billion
“(now Meta Platforms) agreed to acquire the company for US$19 billion, its largest acquisition to date.…” en.wikipedia.org
2014
Meta · Oculus VR from Palmer Luckey, Brendan Iribe, Michael Antonov, Nate Mitchell US$ 2 billion
“Although Oculus only released a development prototype of its headset, on March 25, 2014, Mark Zuckerberg announced that Facebook, Inc. would be acquiring Oculus for US$ 2 billion, pending regulatory approval.” en.wikipedia.org
2014
General Mills · Annie's Homegrown from Annie's, Inc. shareholders $820 million
“General Mills acquired Annie's in September that same year for $820 million,” en.wikipedia.org
2014
HarperCollins · Harlequin Enterprises (romance publisher) C$455 million
“In 2014, HarperCollins acquired Canadian romance publisher Harlequin Enterprises for C$455 million.” en.wikipedia.org
2013
ITV Studios · The Garden (24 Hours in A&E) from The Garden £18 million
“On 22 April 2013, ITV announced they had acquired production company The Garden for £18 million” en.wikipedia.org
2013
Apple · PrimeSense (3D sensing) from PrimeSense (Israel) $360 million
“PrimeSense was bought by Apple Inc. for $360 million on November 24, 2013.” en.wikipedia.org
2013
Google · Waze from Waze Mobile (Israel) $1.3 billion
“In June 2013, Waze was acquired by Google for $1.3 billion.…” en.wikipedia.org
2013
Penguin Random House · The Martian (print rights), first self-published as a blog serial and a 99-cent Kindle book from Andy Weir over US$100,000
“Weir sold the print rights to Crown in March 2013 for over US$100,000.” en.wikipedia.org
2013
Simon & Schuster · Wool (print-only rights to the self-published collection) from Hugh Howey around US$ 500,000
“By March 2013, Howey signed a print-only deal for around US$ 500,000 (equivalent to $ 690,000 in 2025) with Simon & Schuster, to distribute print copies of the initial collection, Wool, to book retailers in the US and Canada;” en.wikipedia.org
2012
Walt Disney Studios · Lucasfilm (Star Wars, Indiana Jones) from George Lucas $4.05 billion
“On October 30, 2012, Disney announced it would buy Lucasfilm for $4.05 billion from George Lucas.” en.wikipedia.org
2012
DreamWorks Animation · Classic Media (renamed DreamWorks Classics) from Classic Media's owners $155 million
“In July 2012, DreamWorks Animation won a $155 million bid to acquire Classic Media,” en.wikipedia.org
2012
Lionsgate · Summit Entertainment (Twilight) from Summit's owners $412.5 million
“On January 13, 2012, Lionsgate officially acquired Summit Entertainment for $412.5 million.” en.wikipedia.org
2012
Shark Tank · Scrub Daddy (20% stake) from Aaron Krause $200,000
“On the Shark Tank episode originally airing in October 2012, Lori Greiner made a 20% equity stake deal with Krause for $200,000.” en.wikipedia.org
2012
Meta · Instagram from Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger $1 billion
“In April 2012, Facebook acquired the service for approximately US$1 billion in cash and stock.” en.wikipedia.org
2012
Starbucks · Teavana from Teavana $620 million in cash
“In late 2012, Starbucks stated that it would pay $620 million in cash to buy the company.” en.wikipedia.org
2011
Macmillan · Four-book Watersong series, signed after her self-published e-books sold over a million copies from Amanda Hocking two million dollars
“In March 2011, Hocking signed her first conventional publishing contract for four books, for two million dollars, with St.” en.wikipedia.org
2010
3M · Cogent Systems from Cogent Systems shareholders $943 million
“In August 2010, 3M acquired Cogent Systems for $943 million,” en.wikipedia.org
2009
Walt Disney Studios · Marvel Entertainment and its characters from Marvel Entertainment shareholders $4 billion
“Disney bought Marvel Entertainment and its assets for $4 billion in August, adding Marvel's comic-book characters to its merchandising line-up.” en.wikipedia.org
2009
Square Enix · Eidos (Tomb Raider, Deus Ex) from its shareholders £84.3 million
“In February 2009, Square Enix reached an agreement to purchase Eidos plc for £84.3 million, pending shareholder approval,…” en.wikipedia.org
2009
Amazon · Zappos from Nick Swinmurn / Tony Hsieh around $1.2 billion
“In July 2009, Amazon acquired Zappos in an all-stock deal worth around $1.2 billion at the time.…” en.wikipedia.org
2008
The Coca-Cola Company · Honest Tea (40% stake; remainder bought 2011) from Seth Goldman and Barry Nalebuff (founders) $43 million
“The Coca-Cola Company purchased a 40-percent stake of the U.S. company at $43 million in 2008.” en.wikipedia.org
2007
The Coca-Cola Company · Glacéau (vitaminwater, smartwater) from Glacéau / Tata Group and founder J. Darius Bikoff $4.1 billion in cash
“On May 25, 2007, the company was acquired by the Coca-Cola Company for $4.1 billion in cash.” en.wikipedia.org
2007
Clorox · Burt's Bees from Burt's Bees $925 million USD
“In late 2007, Clorox acquired Burt's Bees for a reported sum of $925 million USD.” en.wikipedia.org
2007
Nestlé · Gerber Products Company from Gerber $5.5 billion
“In 2007, Gerber was sold to Nestlé for $5.5 billion.” en.wikipedia.org
2006
Walt Disney Studios · Pixar from Steve Jobs and Pixar shareholders $7.4 billion
“After extended negotiations, Disney ultimately agreed on January 24, 2006, to buy Pixar for approximately $7.4 billion in an all-stock deal.” en.wikipedia.org
2006
Searchlight Pictures · Little Miss Sunshine (worldwide rights, Sundance) from its producers $10.5 million
“By sunrise on January 21, after hours of intense bargaining overnight, Fox Searchlight had acquired worldwide rights to the film, offering $10.5 million, plus 10% of all the gross revenues.” en.wikipedia.org
2006
Colgate-Palmolive · Tom's of Maine (84% stake) from Tom and Kate Chappell (founders) $100 million
“In 2006, a controlling 84% stake in Tom's of Maine was purchased by Colgate-Palmolive for $100 million;” en.wikipedia.org
2006
Whirlpool · Maytag from Maytag Corporation shareholders $1.7 billion
“The bid failed and Maytag was bought by Whirlpool for $1.7 billion.” en.wikipedia.org
2005
Take-Two Interactive · Firaxis Games (Civilization) from its owners around US$27 million
“Firaxis Games was acquired in November 2005 for around US$27 million;…” en.wikipedia.org
2005
Google · Android Inc. from Andy Rubin, Rich Miner, Nick Sears, Chris White at least $50 million
“Shortly afterwards, Google acquired the company in July 2005 for at least $50 million;…” en.wikipedia.org
2005
Procter & Gamble · Gillette from The Gillette Company shareholders more than $50 billion
“In 2005, Procter & Gamble announced plans to acquire Gillette for more than $50 billion, which would position P&G as the world's largest consumer products company.” en.wikipedia.org
2003
Activision Blizzard · Infinity Ward (Call of Duty) from founders Grant Collier, Jason West and Vince Zampella US$1.5 million for 30% stake
“Dissatisfied with the current contract they had under EA, Collier, West, and Zampella engaged with Activision to help establish Infinity Ward, which became one of the primary studios within Activision for the competing Call of Duty series.…” en.wikipedia.org
2003
Nike · Converse from Converse Inc. US$ 309 million
“In July 2003, Nike paid US$ 309 million to acquire Converse. [ 3 ] [ 26 ] In January 2013, Converse announced plans for a new headquarters building.” en.wikipedia.org
2002
Nintendo · Retro Studios (Metroid Prime) from Spangenberg $1 million worth of Retro Studios stock
“On May 2, 2002, Nintendo secured $1 million worth of Retro Studios stock from Spangenberg, and reclassified the company as a first party developer and division of Nintendo. [ 11 ] Steve Barcia, the founder of Simtex, replaced Spangenberg as president of the company. [ 2 ]” en.wikipedia.org
2000
Unilever · Ben & Jerry's from Ben Cohen, Jerry Greenfield and shareholders $326 million
“In April 2000, Ben & Jerry's sold itself to British multinational food giant Unilever for $326 million ($607 million in 2025 accounting for inflation).” en.wikipedia.org
1999
Sony Pictures · Spider-Man film rights from Marvel $7 million
“After protracted litigation over the Spider-Man copyrights, Sony Pictures and its subsidiary Columbia obtained the film rights for $7 million from Marvel in 1999.” en.wikipedia.org
1999
Hasbro · Wizards of the Coast (Magic: The Gathering, Dungeons & Dragons) from Wizards of the Coast about US$325 million
“In September 1999, toy manufacturer Hasbro bought Wizards of the Coast for about US$325 million.…” en.wikipedia.org
1999
Starbucks · Tazo from Tazo $ 8.1 million
“The company was purchased by Starbucks in 1999 for $ 8.1 million.” en.wikipedia.org
1998
Mattel · American Girl (Pleasant Company) from Pleasant Company (Pleasant Rowland) $700 million
“In 1998, Mattel purchased the company for $700 million. [ 3 ] The company has been awarded the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Award eight times [ 4 ] and was inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame in 2021. [ 5 ] [ 6 ]” en.wikipedia.org
1997
Wizards of the Coast · TSR (Dungeons & Dragons) and Five Rings Publishing from their owners $25 million
“Wizards of the Coast announced the purchase of TSR, the publisher of Dungeons & Dragons, on April 10, 1997.…” en.wikipedia.org
1997
Scholastic · Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (US rights) from J. K. Rowling (via Bloomsbury, UK) US$105,000
“Scholastic Corporation bought the US rights at the Bologna Book Fair in April 1997 for US$105,000, an unusually high sum for a children's book.” en.wikipedia.org
1994
Johnson & Johnson · Neutrogena from Neutrogena Corporation shareholders $924 million
“In 1994, Johnson & Johnson acquired Neutrogena for $924 million, at a price of $35.25 per share.” en.wikipedia.org
1992
Hallmark Media · RHI Entertainment (film library of 1,800+ hours) from RHI Entertainment $378 million
“In April 1992 Hallmark Cards purchased RHI Entertainment for $378 million plus $50 million in debt” en.wikipedia.org
1991
TLC · The Learning Channel from ACSN and Infotech $12.75 million
“On February 15, 1991, The Discovery Channel, Inc.—owners of the namesake cable channel—announced it had reached an agreement to acquire The Learning Channel from ACSN and Infotech” en.wikipedia.org
1990
Universal Pictures · Film rights to Jurassic Park, before publication from Michael Crichton $1.5 million
“Spielberg acquired the film rights before the novel's publication for $1.5 million through Universal Pictures, with Crichton receiving an additional $500,000 to adapt the story.” en.wikipedia.org
1989
Sony Pictures · Columbia Pictures from The Coca-Cola Company $3.4 billion
“Columbia Pictures: Founded in 1924 by Harry Cohn, Sony acquired the studio in 1989 from The Coca-Cola Company for $3.4 billion.” en.wikipedia.org
1986
Whirlpool · KitchenAid from KitchenAid $150 million
“After being cleared by a federal appeals court in January 1986, Whirlpool Corporation was cleared to purchase KitchenAid for $150 million, after initial complaints regarding competition from dishwasher manufacturers White Consolidated Industries and Magic Chef were dismissed.” en.wikipedia.org
1984
Hallmark Cards · Binney & Smith (Crayola) from Binney & Smith shareholders $204 million
“The same year, it acquired Binney & Smith (later Crayola), a manufacturer of crayons for $204 million.” en.wikipedia.org
1969
Paramount · Film rights to The Godfather from Mario Puzo $80,000
“Paramount Pictures obtained the rights to the novel for $80,000, before it gained popularity.” en.wikipedia.org
Paramount · Paranormal Activity (domestic rights, plus worldwide sequel rights) from Oren Peli US$350,000
“Paramount Pictures, which acquired DreamWorks in 2005, bought the domestic rights to the film, and worldwide rights to any sequels, for US$350,000.” en.wikipedia.org
Sony Pictures · Film rights to The Da Vinci Code from Dan Brown $6 million
“The film rights to Dan Brown 's novel The Da Vinci Code (2003) were purchased from Brown for $6 million.” en.wikipedia.org