| 1989 | HIT founded by Peter Orton |
|---|---|
| 1996 | Traded on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) in the UK |
| 1997 | Full listing on the London Stock Exchange |
| 1997 | Established HOT Animation, now the leading European model animation facility |
| 1999 | First episode of Bob the Builder TM is shown on CBBC |
| 2001 | Bob the Builder premieres in US on Nick Jr |
| 2001 | Acquired US-based Lyrick Studios Inc. (Barney TM) |
| 2001 | Acquired rights to classic animation series, Pingu TM |
| 2002 | Acquired Gullane Entertainment PLC (Thomas & Friends TM, Guinness World Records TM) |
| 2004 | HIT announces the launch of the only 24-hour digital pre-school channel in the US in partnership with Comcast, PBS and Sesame Workshop. A video- on-demand service went live in April 2005 and the full channel is expected to launch in Autumn 2005 |
| 2005 | HIT Entertainment acquired by Apax Partners for £489 million. |
