By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Less than a year after its launch, the Prime Video kids' channel Pash is expanding into the France and Poland markets. Pash is a joint effort by Studio 100 Media and ZDF Studios, and offers viewers a wide selection of kids & family programs. The Pash channel became available in France on March 8, and in Poland on March 20, carrying a … [Read more...] about Kid’s Channel Pash Expands on Amazon Prime to France and Poland
Mergers & Acquisitions
Squirrel Media to Acquire Majority Stake in Mondo TV
By Allison Watkinson The Squirrel Media Group has signed a binding letter of intent to acquire 74.24% of European animation studio Mondo TV. Under the terms of the agreement Mondo TV Studios would be integrated into Squirrel Media. The company says it reached an agreement with Mondo TV S.p.A – one of the largest European producers and distributors of animated content – … [Read more...] about Squirrel Media to Acquire Majority Stake in Mondo TV
SEGA to Acquire Angry Birds Publisher Rovio Entertainment
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief In a bid to grow its mobile gaming business, SEGA Corporation has agreed to acquire Finnish company Rovio Entertainment. Rovio is best known for its mobile gaming hit Angry Birds, which has sold billions of copies and also spawned films and a thriving licensing business. On April 17, SEGA's board voted to implement a tender offer … [Read more...] about SEGA to Acquire Angry Birds Publisher Rovio Entertainment
Mickey Mouse Shows His Fangs as Disney Gets Tough With Opponents
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The Walt Disney Company is playing hardball, as it deals with financial and political threats from opponents internally and externally. The entertainment giant known for its lovable characters has put on its “angry eyes”—to quote the immortal line from Toy Story’s Mrs. Potato Head—as it hits back against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, … [Read more...] about Mickey Mouse Shows His Fangs as Disney Gets Tough With Opponents
Licensing Partnerships: Poetic Brands and Brand Collective Join Forces
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Poetic Brands and Brand Collective have formed a partnership to extend their licensing business to additional product categories. “Together we intend to work on different products and licenses to give a full-360-degree approach for our clients," said Brand Collective director, Charlie Rudge. "This collaboration will see us working … [Read more...] about Licensing Partnerships: Poetic Brands and Brand Collective Join Forces
Trends International Makes Key Acquisition in Art Licensing
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter The licensed product manufacturer Trends International has acquired the ecommerce platforms Art.com and Allposters.com. Founded in 1998, Art and its sister website Allposters are direct-to-consumer, online retail platforms that specialize in art and décor products. Art’s content library contains over two million images that can be … [Read more...] about Trends International Makes Key Acquisition in Art Licensing
Music Licensing: Is Justin Bieber’s Catalog Worth More Than $200 Million?
Data From Spotify Says Yes By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief (Photo of Justin Bieber by Budiey) Justin Bieber has agreed to sell his entire music catalog to Hipgnosis Songs Capital for more than $200 million. Hipgnosis announced the deal via press release, saying it has acquired “Justin Bieber’s 100% interest in his Publishing Copyrights (including the Writer’s Share … [Read more...] about Music Licensing: Is Justin Bieber’s Catalog Worth More Than $200 Million?
Spin Master Goes High Tech With Acquisition of HEXBUG
by Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Spin Master has reached a licensing agreement with Innovation First International to acquire the company's robotic toy brand HEXBUG. Innovation First International is a privately-held corporation that manufactures and produces robotic products for the consumer, education, and business-to-business markets. "At Spin Master we are … [Read more...] about Spin Master Goes High Tech With Acquisition of HEXBUG
Toho Acquires 50% Interest in Genius Brands’ Frederator Productions
Strategic Partnership Includes the Bravest Warriors, Netflix Series, Bee and PuppyCat, and the Upcoming Catbug Series Genius Brands International, Inc. has reached a deal with TOHO International, selling 50% of in three productions on its Frederator Network. The deal was arranged through Genius Brands' subsidiary WOW! Unlimited Media, which in turn controls the Frederator … [Read more...] about Toho Acquires 50% Interest in Genius Brands’ Frederator Productions
TheSoul Publishing Acquires Majority Stake in Underscore
By Allison WatkinsonTLL ReporterThe digital content studio TheSoul Publishing has acquired a majority stake in the talent management firm, Underscore Talent.Founded in 2021, Underscore Talent is known for its 360° management strategy. It assists its diverse client base with brand partnerships, consumer products, ecommerce, social media, publishing, content distribution, live … [Read more...] about TheSoul Publishing Acquires Majority Stake in Underscore