AWN reports that HIT Entertainment Plc. has agreed to a £489.4 million ($934 million) cash takeover offer from U.K. venture capitalists Apax Partners. HIT made the announcement following disappointing financial results for the six months ending January 31 and the firing of CEO Rob Lawes six months ago by the company’s board. HIT founder/chairman Peter Orton Orton and HIT chief exec Charles Burdick will thus resign from the company, and HIT will be de-listed off the London stock exchange. HIT Entertainment Plc. is responsible for such properties as Bob the Builder, Thomas the Tank Engine , and Barney the Purple Dinosaur.