Barbie seeks Bob

Hit Entertainment is entertaining bids from three entities looking to acquire control of their children’s entertainment holdings.

One bid, thought to be from a non-U.S. consortium, is anonymous for the present. Apax, a private equity firm, has made a bid that Hit seemed ready to accept.

Finally, Lions Gate Entertainment appears to be considering offering more than $1 billion in cash (£530 m) for Hit’s holdings, which include such lucrative shows as Bob the Builder and Barney the Dinosaur.

Additionally, Apax and Lions Gate met in March to discuss acquiring Hit, but could not reach agreement on a joint offer.

If Lions Gate does eventually acquire Hit, they would then control approximately 14 percent of the family entertainment market in the United States, including not only Bob and Barney but Barbie as well.