By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Mars, Incorporated has completed its acquisition of Kellanova in a marriage of two food and beverage giants. The completion of the deal, first announced in August, follows completion of required regulatory and shareholder approvals. Mars, a family-owned leader in snacking, food and pet care, agreed to acquire Kellanova for $83.50 per … [Read more...] about Mars Completes Kellanova Acquisition, Forming Global Food Giant
Corporate
Benihana and Surge Brands Release First Licensed Products Under New Partnership
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Benihana and licensing agency Surge Brands have just released the first licensed product since the agency signed on with brand owner The One Group. The debut licensed product, Benihana Teriyaki Chicken Crisps from Flock Foods, brings the restaurant’s signature flavors into a high-protein, keto-friendly snack. Available at flockfoods.com, … [Read more...] about Benihana and Surge Brands Release First Licensed Products Under New Partnership
Bioworld Launches Venture Capital Fund to Support Emerging Brands
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief As a former startup founder and CEO, I know one of the toughest obstacles to success is gaining that initial capital you need to launch your business. Bioworld Merchandising apparently agrees with that view, as the leading pop culture brand company has created a venture capital fund dedicated to helping new and emerging companies get off … [Read more...] about Bioworld Launches Venture Capital Fund to Support Emerging Brands
Toho International and Trill Burgers Announce Spy x Family Collaboration
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Trill Burgers has teamed up with Toho International to launch a licensed in-store collaboration inspired by the Spy x Family anime series. The partnership is offering a limited-edition Spy x Family burger and two co-branded t-shirt designs that can be purchased through both of the restaurant brands' retail locations. “Team Trill Burgers is … [Read more...] about Toho International and Trill Burgers Announce Spy x Family Collaboration
Layer Licensing Marketplace Acquired by AT New Media
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Layer Licensing, the innovative licensing marketplace for video games, has been acquired by the UK-based licensing agency AT New Media. Layer is a digital matchmaking platform between IP holders looking to extend their licensing activities into the games industry, and game developers and publishers seeking licensable IP to include in … [Read more...] about Layer Licensing Marketplace Acquired by AT New Media
Food and Beverage Sector is Revealing Cracks in the Licensing Economy
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Two of the industry’s top experts in food and beverage licensing are warning of some short-term pain before the sector enjoys a long-term gain. Ross Misher, founder and CEO of Brand Central Group, and Peter Cross, the VP of Strategic Partnerships for Broad Street Licensing Group (BSLG), say that licensees are pulling in their horns as … [Read more...] about Food and Beverage Sector is Revealing Cracks in the Licensing Economy
Mark and Ari Freedman Launch Reboot Brands and Bring Back Certs
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief A fascinating new brand company, Reboot Brands, was just launched by the founders of licensing agencies Surge Brands and Surge Licensing. Reboot is a brand company with a difference, headed by Ari Freedman, CEO of Surge Brands, and father Mark Freedman, CEO of Surge Licensing. The two stalwarts in the global licensing industry said … [Read more...] about Mark and Ari Freedman Launch Reboot Brands and Bring Back Certs
Toast It or Roast It? Original Donut Shop’s Pop-Tart Flavored Coffee
TLL Staff The Original Donut Shop has announced its latest flavor innovation, a Pop-Tarts Brown Sugar Cinnamon flavored K-Cup pod. The new signature flavor is perfect for those who can't face the day without a good cup of coffee and their favorite Pop-Tart. Now you get all that morning goodness in your cup, bursting with notes of brown sugar sweetness, cinnamon flavor and … [Read more...] about Toast It or Roast It? Original Donut Shop’s Pop-Tart Flavored Coffee
Scooters Coffee and WBDGCP Debut Elf Holiday Collaboration
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Scooters Coffee has partnered with WBDGCP for a licensed holiday menu and merch collection inspired by New Line Cinema’s film Elf. Beginning November 1, Scooter’s Coffee is offering a selection of seasonal drinks, food and merchandise based on licensed characters and scenes from the movie. Each drink comes served in a cup with designs … [Read more...] about Scooters Coffee and WBDGCP Debut Elf Holiday Collaboration
Licensing Roundup: Four New Deals You May Have Missed
McDonald’s Serves Up a Holiday Twist With Grinch Meal McDonald's USA is tapping into holiday mischief with the launch of The Grinch Meal, a limited-time offering debuting December 2 at participating restaurants. The combo includes a choice of a Big Mac or 10-piece Chicken McNuggets plus a medium drink, paired with the U.S. debut of Dill Pickle “Grinch Salt” McShaker Fries; a … [Read more...] about Licensing Roundup: Four New Deals You May Have Missed