By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief MGA Entertainment, Inc. (MGA) has unveiled MGA Studios, an independent subsidiary backed with more than a half billion dollars in cash and assets. MGA also announced it has acquired Pixel Zoo Animation, a leading global digital animation studio, as MGA Studio's first acquistion. The company says the big move underscores MGA’s continued … [Read more...] about MGA Makes a Half-Billion Move Into Animation, Acquires Pixel Zoo
Mergers & Acquisitions
Universal Parks & Resorts Consolidates Its Operations
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Universal Parks & Resorts has merged two of its key businesses to create a new division called Universal Products & Experiences (UP&E). The new division is a combination of the Universal Brand Development and Universal Parks & Resorts Merchandise Group. UP&E says its goal is to extend the company’s popular franchises … [Read more...] about Universal Parks & Resorts Consolidates Its Operations
Fashion: Estée Lauder in Talks to Acquire Tom Ford
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Estée Lauder is making a move into the fashion world, as the company has initiated talks to acquire Tom Ford International. Estee Lauder is best known as a leader in the world of cosmetics and fragrance, but a deal with Tom Ford could put it into an elite realm in the fashion sector as well. There are other parties competing to acquire the … [Read more...] about Fashion: Estée Lauder in Talks to Acquire Tom Ford
Who’s News: Throop To Step Down as CEO of Hasbro’s eOne Division
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Hasbro has reported another senior management shakeup, saying Darren Throop will step down as president and CEO of its eOne division. Throop is the founder of what was then the Canadian studio Entertainment One, and guided the company during its growth and eventual acquisition by Hasbro. The company says Throop will continue in his current … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Throop To Step Down as CEO of Hasbro’s eOne Division
Licensing Mergers: IMG Acquires Auction and Live Events Company
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter The licensing and brand giant IMG has acquired a majority stake in the collector car auction and live events company Barrett-Jackson. Barrett-Jackson’s events and high-energy auctions are known to attract many auto collectors, fans and celebrities, as well as millions of TV viewers. Its flagship Scottsdale event, founded in 1971, auctions … [Read more...] about Licensing Mergers: IMG Acquires Auction and Live Events Company
Crunchyroll Acquires North America’s Largest Anime Retailer
The anime streamer Crunchyroll has completed a strategic acquisition of Right Stuf, considered the largest retailer of anime products in North America. The Sony-owned streaming service announced on Aug. 4 that it had purchased Right Stuf, just ahead of the company's annual Crunchyroll Expo event. Pricing and other terms were not disclosed publicly. The Right Stuf acquisition … [Read more...] about Crunchyroll Acquires North America’s Largest Anime Retailer
Technology: Walmart Expands Its Metaverse Ambitions
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Walmart is placing its bets on metaverse technologies as it announced the acquisition of an AR developer, and launched new augmented reality shopping experiences. The latter initiative sees Walmart updating its customer shopping app with two new augmented reality (AR) solutions, which are rolling out this month on its iOS app. The new feature … [Read more...] about Technology: Walmart Expands Its Metaverse Ambitions
Collectibles Licensing: Funko Acquires Pop Culture Company Mondo
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter The collectible giant Funko, Inc. has acquired Mondo, a pop culture company that creates iconic collectibles and products. Mondo is best known for its limited-edition vinyl records and screen-printed posters. Through collaborations with award-winning artists and studios, the company creates quality licensed merchandise and products. Mondo … [Read more...] about Collectibles Licensing: Funko Acquires Pop Culture Company Mondo
Feature Report: The Back Story of Hasbro’s Boardroom Victory Over Alta Fox
Activist Investor Says Hasbro Board Needs To Go, But The Licensing Letter's Analysis Shows Reason for Optimism By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Hasbro says shareholders voted by "a substantial margin" to re-elect all of 13 of the company's current directors. The apparent victory, released as preliminary results of the 2022 Annual Meeting, was a rebuke to a challenge by … [Read more...] about Feature Report: The Back Story of Hasbro’s Boardroom Victory Over Alta Fox
Universal Music Centralizes Rosters for Bravado and Epic Rights
Bravado, Universal Music Group has announced the centralization of both Bravado and Epic Rights licensing rosters. Bravado acquired Epic Rights in 2019 and the new structure includes the expanded purview of Epic Rights’ SVP Global Licensing. Lisa Streff will oversee global licensing strategies across both companies. Streff will work closely with the existing Bravado and Epic … [Read more...] about Universal Music Centralizes Rosters for Bravado and Epic Rights