By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The brand management company Iconix Brand Group has completed its acquisition of the remaining interests in its regional subsidiaries Those include Iconix MENA Limited, Iconix Europe LLC and Iconix SE Asia. The move comes after a troubled period for the global branding and licensing company, which has over 1,100 licenses with leading retailers … [Read more...] about Iconix Brand Group Consolidates Ownership of Subsidiaries
Mergers & Acquisitions
Mergers & Acquisitions: Sony Acquires Bungie As Video Gaming Land Rush Continues
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Sony Interactive Entertainment has agreed to acquire Bungie for $3.6 billion, as gaming conglomerates continue to gobble up indie developers. Bungie is certainly among the most successful game developers in the world, having designed both the global hit Destiny and the Halo franchise. That latter game practically defined the first-person … [Read more...] about Mergers & Acquisitions: Sony Acquires Bungie As Video Gaming Land Rush Continues
Take Two Acquires Zynga for $12.7B To Create Video Gaming Giant
Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Almost buried under the flurry of news about Microsoft's landmark acquisition of Activision Blizzard, Take Two's merger with Zynga is also a key moment for the video gaming industry. Take-Two Interactive, the producer of Grand Theft Auto, has acquired Farmville creator Zynga for $12.7 billion, creating a new behemoth in the industry. “We are … [Read more...] about Take Two Acquires Zynga for $12.7B To Create Video Gaming Giant
Metaverse Licensing: Microsoft Makes a Big Move With Acquisition of Activision Blizzard
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Microsoft says building the metaverse is a big reason it acquired gaming company Activision Blizzard this week for $68.7 billion. While Microsoft says gaming is also very important to the company, which also produces the Xbox and runs the DirectX gaming platform, the company says the long-term vision is on becoming a major player in the … [Read more...] about Metaverse Licensing: Microsoft Makes a Big Move With Acquisition of Activision Blizzard
Licensed Fashion Giant Erve Group Sets Up UK Subsidiary
The global fashion powerhouse Erve Group has expanded in the UK with the launch of a new, locally based company. Called Erve UK & Ireland, the new subsidiary brings more than 35 years of licensing and brand experience directly to the UK and Ireland markets. “We have been servicing the UK & Ireland apparel markets for many years through our pan-European retail … [Read more...] about Licensed Fashion Giant Erve Group Sets Up UK Subsidiary
Who’s News: Fanatics Names Primack SVP of International Biz Dev
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Fanatics has recruited ex-IMG executive Matthew Primack as its new Senior Vice President of International Business Development. Primack is now responsible for building on Fanatics’ strong international growth through the acquisition of new rights and commercial routes to market. “This is an incredibly exciting time to be joining Fanatics and … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Fanatics Names Primack SVP of International Biz Dev
ChizComm Founders Out At Genius Brands Over Contract Dispute
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The founders of Chizcomm have exited Genius Brands over a contractual dispute and conflict over strategic vision. ChizComm was acquired in November of 2020 by Genius Brands, which has grown rapidly due to an aggressive acquisition strategy. At the time, all seemed like sweetness and light would prevail. This week, however, Chizcomm … [Read more...] about ChizComm Founders Out At Genius Brands Over Contract Dispute
Nike Sprints Into Metaverse Licensing With RTFKT Acquisition
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The footwear behemoth Nike is expanding its footprint in the metaverse, announcing the acquisition of digital collectibles company RTFKT. The terms of the deal were not disclosed. “This acquisition is another step that accelerates Nike’s digital transformation and allows us to serve athletes and creators at the intersection of sport, … [Read more...] about Nike Sprints Into Metaverse Licensing With RTFKT Acquisition
Acquisitions: Genius Brands Makes Smart Move on YFE Investment
Genius Brands just made another big move in its quest to become a major power in children and family entertainment, acquiring a major stake in Your Family Entertainment (YFE). The YFE transaction, alongside the recent announcement of the acquisition of WOW! Unlimited Media, would significantly expand the Genius Brands catalogue and give the company a streaming foothold outside … [Read more...] about Acquisitions: Genius Brands Makes Smart Move on YFE Investment
Mergers & Acquisitions: Major Investors Acquire Stake in Authentic Brands Group
There's big news for one of the giants in the global licensing industry, as two major investment funds have purchased a significant stake in Authentic Brands Group. ABG says the deal with CVC Capital Partners (CVC) and HPS Investment Partners (HPS) will provide the company with more support as it continues its rapid growth. The two funds have signed definitive agreements to … [Read more...] about Mergers & Acquisitions: Major Investors Acquire Stake in Authentic Brands Group