The Licensing Letter

Mergers & Acquisitions

Music Licensing: Is Justin Bieber’s Catalog Worth More Than $200 Million?

Data From Spotify Says Yes By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief (Photo of Justin Bieber by Budiey) Justin Bieber has agreed to sell his entire music catalog to Hipgnosis Songs Capital for more than $200 million. Hipgnosis announced the deal via press release, saying it has acquired “Justin Bieber’s 100% interest in his Publishing Copyrights (including the Writer’s Share … [Read more...] about Music Licensing: Is Justin Bieber’s Catalog Worth More Than $200 Million?

Spin Master Goes High Tech With Acquisition of HEXBUG

by Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Spin Master has reached a licensing agreement with Innovation First International to acquire the company's robotic toy brand HEXBUG. Innovation First International is a privately-held corporation that manufactures and produces robotic products for the consumer, education, and business-to-business markets. "At Spin Master we are … [Read more...] about Spin Master Goes High Tech With Acquisition of HEXBUG

Toho Acquires 50% Interest in Genius Brands’ Frederator Productions

Strategic Partnership Includes the Bravest Warriors, Netflix Series, Bee and PuppyCat, and the Upcoming Catbug Series Genius Brands International, Inc. has reached a deal with TOHO International, selling 50% of in three productions on its Frederator Network. The deal was arranged through Genius Brands' subsidiary WOW! Unlimited Media, which in turn controls the Frederator … [Read more...] about Toho Acquires 50% Interest in Genius Brands’ Frederator Productions

TheSoul Publishing Acquires Majority Stake in Underscore

By Allison WatkinsonTLL ReporterThe digital content studio TheSoul Publishing has acquired a majority stake in the talent management firm, Underscore Talent.Founded in 2021, Underscore Talent is known for its 360° management strategy. It assists its diverse client base with brand partnerships, consumer products, ecommerce, social media, publishing, content distribution, live … [Read more...] about TheSoul Publishing Acquires Majority Stake in Underscore

MGA Makes a Half-Billion Move Into Animation, Acquires Pixel Zoo

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief MGA Entertainment, Inc. (MGA)  has unveiled MGA Studios, an independent subsidiary backed with more than a half billion dollars in cash and assets. MGA also announced it has acquired Pixel Zoo Animation, a leading global digital animation studio, as MGA Studio's first acquistion. The company says the big move underscores MGA’s continued … [Read more...] about MGA Makes a Half-Billion Move Into Animation, Acquires Pixel Zoo

Universal Parks & Resorts Consolidates Its Operations

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Universal Parks & Resorts has merged two of its key businesses to create a new division called Universal Products & Experiences (UP&E). The new division is a combination of the Universal Brand Development and Universal Parks & Resorts Merchandise Group. UP&E says its goal is to extend the company’s popular franchises … [Read more...] about Universal Parks & Resorts Consolidates Its Operations

Fashion: Estée Lauder in Talks to Acquire Tom Ford

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Estée Lauder is making a move into the fashion world, as the company has initiated talks to acquire Tom Ford International. Estee Lauder is best known as a leader in the world of cosmetics and fragrance, but a deal with Tom Ford could put it into an elite realm in the fashion sector as well. There are other parties competing to acquire the … [Read more...] about Fashion: Estée Lauder in Talks to Acquire Tom Ford

Who’s News: Throop To Step Down as CEO of Hasbro’s eOne Division

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Hasbro has reported another senior management shakeup, saying Darren Throop will step down as president and CEO of its eOne division. Throop is the founder of what was then the Canadian studio Entertainment One, and guided the company during its growth and eventual acquisition by Hasbro. The company says Throop will continue in his current … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Throop To Step Down as CEO of Hasbro’s eOne Division

Licensing Mergers: IMG Acquires Auction and Live Events Company

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter The licensing and brand giant IMG has acquired a majority stake in the collector car auction and live events company Barrett-Jackson. Barrett-Jackson’s events and high-energy auctions are known to attract many auto collectors, fans and celebrities, as well as millions of TV viewers. Its flagship Scottsdale event, founded in 1971, auctions … [Read more...] about Licensing Mergers: IMG Acquires Auction and Live Events Company

Crunchyroll Acquires North America’s Largest Anime Retailer

The anime streamer Crunchyroll has completed a strategic acquisition of Right Stuf, considered the largest retailer of anime products in North America. The Sony-owned streaming service announced on Aug. 4 that it had purchased Right Stuf, just ahead of the company's annual Crunchyroll Expo event. Pricing and other terms were not disclosed publicly. The Right Stuf acquisition … [Read more...] about Crunchyroll Acquires North America’s Largest Anime Retailer