This acquisition lost Mattel $3 billion in shareholder value within a single day, prompting a class-action lawsuit that was settled for $122 million in 2003. TLC also spent $416 million on rival Broderbund before being acquired itself by Mattel for $4.2 billion in 1999.

The company filled retail shelves with mostly shareware compilations but made enough money to acquire The Learning Company for $606 million in 1995 and took its name. His first notable job was as the assistant brand manager for Nabisco’s cat food brand in Toronto.Īfter a short stint as a television producer, he started Softkey. He originally wanted to be a photographer but followed his parents’ lead to become a businessmen and investor.

O’Leary was born and raised in Canada, and his father died when he was only 7 years old.