The Licensing Letter

Mergers & Acquisitions

Update: Bronfman Drops Paramount Bid, Leaving Path Clear for Skydance

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Media tycoon Edgar Bronfman Jr. has dropped his $6 billion bid to acquire Paramount Global, as Skydance Media prepares to close on its own offer. Bronfman had submitted a bid to acquire the global entertainment conglomerate with a consortium of investors. His submission came after Skydance had already come to a tentative agreement with the … [Read more...] about Update: Bronfman Drops Paramount Bid, Leaving Path Clear for Skydance

Must Read: Mars Acquires Kellogg’s Snack Division Kellanova

$35 Billion Acquisition Changes the Global Landscape for Snacks and Confectionery By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Mars and Kellanova have entered a definitive merger agreement that will combine two of the world's largest snack producers. Mars, a family-owned leader in snacking, food and pet care, has agreed to acquire Kellanova for $83.50 per share, for a total … [Read more...] about Must Read: Mars Acquires Kellogg’s Snack Division Kellanova

Perry Ellis Secures 8.3 Million Following Breach of Contract by ULC

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Perry Ellis has received 8.3 million USD in damages from United Legwear Company for legal problems related to their 2020 Pro Player sales agreement. The trial centered on the fair market value of the Pro Player athletic brand which Perry Ellis International had sold to ULC IP Holdings in 2020. Perry Ellis began pursuing legal action against ULC … [Read more...] about Perry Ellis Secures 8.3 Million Following Breach of Contract by ULC

Krispy Kreme Sells Majority Ownership Stake of Insomnia Cookies

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Krispy Kreme has announced the sale of a majority ownership stake of Insomnia Cookies to Verlinvest and Mistral Equity Partners. Founded by Seth Berkowitz in 2003, Insomnia Cookies is a late-night bakery brand that offers a range of cookies, ice cream and other sweet treats for in-store purchase, local delivery and nationwide shipping. … [Read more...] about Krispy Kreme Sells Majority Ownership Stake of Insomnia Cookies

$8 Billion Skydance Merger To Create ‘New Paramount’

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief A seismic shift in the American entertainment scene happened today as Paramount Global has accepted a merger offer from Skydance Media. The two companies have entered into a definitive agreement to form a new company called 'New Paramount', which the parties say will be a "next-generation media and technology leader." The deal is … [Read more...] about $8 Billion Skydance Merger To Create ‘New Paramount’

The Knot Worldwide Welcomes Simply Eloped Into Its Portfolio of Brands

By TLL Staff The Knot Worldwide has announced the acquisition of Simply Eloped, an online platform specializing in elopements and micro-weddings in the United States. Per the terms of the agreement, Simply Eloped has joined The Knot Worldwide's portfolio of brands, alongside many of its employees and its founder. Simply Eloped will continue to function as an independent brand … [Read more...] about The Knot Worldwide Welcomes Simply Eloped Into Its Portfolio of Brands

RWS Global Acquires Great Big Events, Launches New Sports Division

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Big news in the world of experiential licensing today, as live entertainment giant RWS Global has acquired Great Big Events. The deal combines RWS, arguably the world leader in live entertainment productions, with Great Big Events, which is among the world's top sports event production companies. RWS Global creates customized … [Read more...] about RWS Global Acquires Great Big Events, Launches New Sports Division

Mediawan and ZAG Partner on New ‘Miraculous Corp’

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Mediawan and Zag have created a new, offshoot company to manage and expand their highly successful Miraculous franchise. Called Miraculous Corp, the company is a joint venture between ZAG and Mediawan, designed to fuel an expansion of the brand's superhero universe. "This groundbreaking joint-venture between Mediawan and ZAG reunites all … [Read more...] about Mediawan and ZAG Partner on New ‘Miraculous Corp’

Paramount Global Announces Leadership Shakeup

Bob Bakish Stepping Down, Trio of Execs to Share CEO Role Photo: George Cheeks, Chris McCarthy and Brian Robbins will collectively replace Bakish in a new "Office of the CEO." Photo credit: Paramount Global. By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Paramount Global is making major changes, as long-time CEO Bob Bakish is stepping down, to be replaced by a three-person Office … [Read more...] about Paramount Global Announces Leadership Shakeup

Spin Master Completes $950 Million Purchase of Melissa and Doug

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Spin Master isn't going back to the future, but instead opted to go forward into the past, in its acquisition of US toy maker Melissa & Doug. The celebrated toyco is known for its focus on classic toys, such as crafts, pretend play, and the wooden toys that Melissa & Doug are famed for. In a world where the metaverse, video … [Read more...] about Spin Master Completes $950 Million Purchase of Melissa and Doug