Nine West Holdings enters into a definitive agreement to acquire women’s sportswear firm Kasper Group following its sale of the Easy Spirit wholesale business; the transaction is expected to close this month. Funko buys London-based manufacturer and distributor Underground Toys. Studio 100 acquires a 68% majority stake in m4e; the new group will bolster each company's … [Read more...] about Mergers & Acquisitions
Sony Pictures
Mergers & Acquisitions
Hot Topic acquires certain assets of the apparel and accessories brand Her Universe from founder Ashley Eckstein and The Araca Group. The pop culture retailer will operate the brand’s ecommerce and wholesale business as a division. Her Universe will continue to be a stand-alone brand that is available at multiple retailers and on HerUniverse.com.Hasbro has boosted its games … [Read more...] about Mergers & Acquisitions
Who’s News
Click on the links to access a record of the selected individual's complete contact information including licenses held/represented and products manufactured through the Licensing Source Book Online. WME/IMG appoints Michael Ma to serve as CEO of its China subsidiary. Bob Bakishis stepping into the role of Viacom’s acting CEO & President on Nov. 15, officially ending Tom … [Read more...] about Who’s News
Who’s News
Jeffrey Godsick steps down as President of Fox Consumer Products to join Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group as EVP Worldwide Partnerships. Genius Brands Intl. promotes Stone Newman to President Global Consumer Products & Marketing. Soo Koo is appointed CCO at Warner Bros. Consumer Products. Michael Carrington steps down as CEO of Zodiak Kids Studios to take the helm of … [Read more...] about Who’s News
Star Wars Demonstrates Power of Franchises for Licensing, Theaters
By Marcy Magiera As this story was being written and The Licensing Letter’s semi-annual chart of movies with licensing potential compiled, Star Wars: The Force Awakens was breaking advance ticket sales records two months ahead of its Dec. 18 opening. Online ticketing sites Fandango and MovieTickets.com reportedly crashed for some users under the heavy traffic when tickets went … [Read more...] about Star Wars Demonstrates Power of Franchises for Licensing, Theaters
Small Bites
News tidbits in the food and beverages sector: Eggland’s Best signed with Joester Loria Group to extend its egg brand to kitchen tools, appliances, publishing and other food items. Sony Pictures TV has enlisted 21st Century Spirits for a limited Heisenberg Blue Ice Vodka inspired by the TV series Breaking Bad. Huy Fong Foods is teaming with Pop! Gourmet Foods and Red Gold on … [Read more...] about Small Bites
Classic Character Capers
Classic entertainment characters just keep chugging along. Some recent deals involving retro TV and other classic entertainment brands: Sony Pictures Consumer Products is conjuring up a licensing campaign tied to the 50th anniversary of classic Barbara Eden-Larry Hagman sitcom, "I Dream of Jeannie.” Products reportedly include a video slot machine from IGT; a commemorative … [Read more...] about Classic Character Capers
Marvel Back in Spidey Web
Sony Pictures will restyle the Spider-Man franchise in partnership with Marvel Studios, returning the web slinger to the Marvel universe. Sony has owned the movie rights to Spider-Man since 1999, when it bought them from Marvel (now owned by Disney). The deal is expected to produce a new Spidey film due in theaters in summer 2017. Before then, Spider-Man will appear in upcoming … [Read more...] about Marvel Back in Spidey Web