The Licensing Letter

Mergers & Acquisitions

Genius Brands Announces “Transformational Acquisition” of WOW! Unlimited Media

Genius Brands International says it has completed the acquisition of WOW Unlimited Media in a deal the company says will create "a global animation and digital media powerhouse." The two companies announced Oct. 27 that they have entered into a definitive agreement whereby Genius Brands will acquire WOW! for approximately US$53 million in cash and stock. WOW! Unlimited Media … [Read more...] about Genius Brands Announces “Transformational Acquisition” of WOW! Unlimited Media

Netflix Acquires Video Game Developer

The streaming giant Netflix is fueling its push into the video game sector with the acquisition of critically acclaimed developer Night School Studio. The move is part of a much wider strategy by Netflix to diversify its revenues, particularly as the company faces increased competition from several well-funded companies in the streaming space, including Disney, Amazon, Apple, … [Read more...] about Netflix Acquires Video Game Developer

Trevco Acquires Women’s Apparel Brand Suburban Riot

Trevco has announced its acquisition of premium women’s fashion brand, Suburban Riot, known for its addictive core silhouettes infused with relevant, on-trend, designs and statements. Trevco says that, since its inception, Suburban Riot has made waves with celebrities, influencers, and fans online and at specialty retail. Trevco’s vision to enhance its women’s fashion … [Read more...] about Trevco Acquires Women’s Apparel Brand Suburban Riot

ABG Acquires Reebok From Adidas

Authentic Brands Group continues its aggressive acquisition strategy, announcing an agreement to buy the shoe brand Reebok from adidas. Adidas said Thursday it signed a deal to sell the sneaker and sportswear brand to Authentic Brands Group for up to 2.1 billion euros, or roughly $2.5 billion. Reebok had been struggling in recent years, and this acquisition will make it … [Read more...] about ABG Acquires Reebok From Adidas

Sony’s Funimation Acquires Crunchyroll from AT&T  

Sony Pictures Entertainment took a major step to become  the leader in the world of anime, completing its planned acquisition of Crunchyroll. Sony acquired Crunchyroll from AT&T through its Funimation Global Group, which is already one of the world's largest anime entertainment companies, for over $1 billion. Funimation is a joint venture between SPE and Sony Music … [Read more...] about Sony’s Funimation Acquires Crunchyroll from AT&T  

Levi Strauss Acquiring Beyond Yoga

The Levi Strauss Company, better known for cowboy-worthy blue jeans, is making a play in the activewear market, as it agreed to buy Beyond Yoga for an undisclosed sum. CNBC reports that, in a deal expected to close by the end of the year, Levi estimates the acquisition will add more than $100 million to its net revenue next fiscal year, and will immediately bolster its … [Read more...] about Levi Strauss Acquiring Beyond Yoga

Authentic Brands Group Files For $10 Billion IPO

Authentic Brands Group has filed for an Initial Public Offering (IPO) that values the global licensing giant at $10 billion. ABG owns several fashion and sports brands around the world, and has now filed papers stating its intention to sell $100 million worth of stock at a valuation of roughly $10 billion. However, the number of shares to be offered is likely just a benchmark, … [Read more...] about Authentic Brands Group Files For $10 Billion IPO

MDR Launches Global eSports, Interactive Entertainment Division

MDR Brand Management this week launched a global esports and interactive entertainment division called NIVO Management. NIVO operates as a standalone business, but the new division will benefit from the international footprint of MDR Brand Management, the company says. MDR now operates in 25 locations around the world. The company says NIVO Management is currently working on … [Read more...] about MDR Launches Global eSports, Interactive Entertainment Division

Iconix Plans To Go Private After Controversial Acquisition Deal

Iconix Brand Group, Inc., which owns several well known brands such as Joe Boxer, Buffalo Jeans, Mossimo and London Fog, among several others, will become a private company after the board accepted an acquisition offer from Lancer Capital LLC. However, two major law firms have announced they are launching investigations into the deal on behalf of shareholders, with one saying … [Read more...] about Iconix Plans To Go Private After Controversial Acquisition Deal