By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Crayola has teamed up with McDonald's Restaurants for their first ever global collaboration on Happy Meal prizes. The space-themed Happy Meals are designed to propel kids' imagination into orbit and transform the universe into a canvas for creativity. The Happy Meal features an exclusive lineup of co-branded, space-themed activity … [Read more...] about Crayola Colors Planet Earth With Global McDonald’s Happy Meal Deal
Corporate
VSP Vision Acquires Branded Eyewear Maker Marcolin
TLL Staff VSP Vision completed in December the acquisition of Marcolin, a global leader in eyewear design, manufacturing, and distribution. VSP bought out the company from PAI Partners and other minority shareholders. The deal is significant for the licensing industry, as Marcolin is a major player in the sector. Marcolin's portfolio of luxury and lifestyle … [Read more...] about VSP Vision Acquires Branded Eyewear Maker Marcolin
Licensing Roundup: The Deals You May Have Missed Over the Holidays
‘Puzzles & Survival’ Concludes TRANSFORMERS Collaboration With Epic Finale37GAMES’ hit mobile title Puzzles & Survival is concluding its year-long crossover with TRANSFORMERS with a final chapter released December 15, 2025. The finale event brings iconic characters such as Megatron and Starscream together with Optimus Prime and Bumblebee in a dramatic narrative arc … [Read more...] about Licensing Roundup: The Deals You May Have Missed Over the Holidays
Blonde Sheep Appointed Global Licensing Agent for Applied Nutrition
Blonde Sheep Licensing has been appointed exclusive global licensing-out agent for Applied Nutrition plc, a fast-growing sports nutrition, health and wellness brand. Under the agreement, Blonde Sheep will develop and manage a global licensing program designed to extend Applied Nutrition into complementary product categories and retail channels aligned with the brand’s … [Read more...] about Blonde Sheep Appointed Global Licensing Agent for Applied Nutrition
Mars Completes Kellanova Acquisition, Forming Global Food Giant
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Mars, Incorporated has completed its acquisition of Kellanova in a marriage of two food and beverage giants. The completion of the deal, first announced in August, follows completion of required regulatory and shareholder approvals. Mars, a family-owned leader in snacking, food and pet care, agreed to acquire Kellanova for $83.50 per … [Read more...] about Mars Completes Kellanova Acquisition, Forming Global Food Giant
Benihana and Surge Brands Release First Licensed Products Under New Partnership
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Benihana and licensing agency Surge Brands have just released the first licensed product since the agency signed on with brand owner The One Group. The debut licensed product, Benihana Teriyaki Chicken Crisps from Flock Foods, brings the restaurant’s signature flavors into a high-protein, keto-friendly snack. Available at flockfoods.com, … [Read more...] about Benihana and Surge Brands Release First Licensed Products Under New Partnership
Bioworld Launches Venture Capital Fund to Support Emerging Brands
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief As a former startup founder and CEO, I know one of the toughest obstacles to success is gaining that initial capital you need to launch your business. Bioworld Merchandising apparently agrees with that view, as the leading pop culture brand company has created a venture capital fund dedicated to helping new and emerging companies get off … [Read more...] about Bioworld Launches Venture Capital Fund to Support Emerging Brands
Toho International and Trill Burgers Announce Spy x Family Collaboration
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Trill Burgers has teamed up with Toho International to launch a licensed in-store collaboration inspired by the Spy x Family anime series. The partnership is offering a limited-edition Spy x Family burger and two co-branded t-shirt designs that can be purchased through both of the restaurant brands' retail locations. “Team Trill Burgers is … [Read more...] about Toho International and Trill Burgers Announce Spy x Family Collaboration
Layer Licensing Marketplace Acquired by AT New Media
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Layer Licensing, the innovative licensing marketplace for video games, has been acquired by the UK-based licensing agency AT New Media. Layer is a digital matchmaking platform between IP holders looking to extend their licensing activities into the games industry, and game developers and publishers seeking licensable IP to include in … [Read more...] about Layer Licensing Marketplace Acquired by AT New Media
Food and Beverage Sector is Revealing Cracks in the Licensing Economy
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Two of the industry’s top experts in food and beverage licensing are warning of some short-term pain before the sector enjoys a long-term gain. Ross Misher, founder and CEO of Brand Central Group, and Peter Cross, the VP of Strategic Partnerships for Broad Street Licensing Group (BSLG), say that licensees are pulling in their horns as … [Read more...] about Food and Beverage Sector is Revealing Cracks in the Licensing Economy