By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The brand licensing agency LMCA is expanding into Europe in an innovative partnership with the IP law firm Stobbs. The new partners say their collaboration will offer clients in Europe a powerful new way to promote and protect their brands. LMCA is one of the world's largest licensing agencies, with its HQ in New York and branch offices in … [Read more...] about Licensing Partnerships: LMCA and Stobbs Form Joint Venture in Europe
Mergers & Acquisitions
Acquisitions: Hasbro Brings D&D Beyond Into Its Corporate Dungeon
Purchase of D&D Beyond to Add Nearly 10 Million Players to Digital Tabletop Ecosystem—The Fastest-Growing Dungeons & Dragons Category Hasbro says it is acquiring D&D Beyond, the leading digital toolset and game companion for the company’s groundbreaking fantasy gaming franchise Dungeons & Dragons. D&D Beyond is currently owned by Fandom, the world’s … [Read more...] about Acquisitions: Hasbro Brings D&D Beyond Into Its Corporate Dungeon
CAA Completes Takeover of CAA-Global Brands Group
Creative Artists Agency (CAA) says it has completed its takeover of CAA-GBG Global Brand Management Group. CAA-GBG was originally created as a joint operation between CAA and holding company Global Brands Group in 2016. The two companies founded their joint venture in 2016, and became a major player in brand licensing. Clients included Budweiser, Coca-Cola, The Cheesecake … [Read more...] about CAA Completes Takeover of CAA-Global Brands Group
Netflix To Acquire Stranger Things’ Developer Next Games
Netflix is making another big move in the gaming space, signing an agreement to acquire Finnish developer Next Games. Under the terms of the agreement, Netflix will commence a tender offer to acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of Next Games. Pursuant to the offer, Next Games shareholders would receive €2.1 ($2.30 US) in cash per share of Next Games, for a total … [Read more...] about Netflix To Acquire Stranger Things’ Developer Next Games
Iconix Brand Group Consolidates Ownership of Subsidiaries
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: 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