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… . . . read more
Fashion: Estée Lauder in Talks to Acquire Tom Ford
September 2, 2022
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… . . . read more
Who’s News: Throop To Step Down as CEO of Hasbro’s eOne Division
August 16, 2022
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… . . . read more
Licensing Mergers: IMG Acquires Auction and Live Events Company
August 12, 2022
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… . . . read more
Crunchyroll Acquires North America’s Largest Anime Retailer
August 8, 2022
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… . . . read more
Technology: Walmart Expands Its Metaverse Ambitions
July 5, 2022
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Walmart is placing its bets on metaverse technologies as it announced the acquisition of an AR developer, and launched new augmented reality shopping experiences. The latter initiative sees… . . . read more
Collectibles Licensing: Funko Acquires Pop Culture Company Mondo
June 14, 2022
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter The collectible giant Funko, Inc. has acquired Mondo, a pop culture company that creates iconic collectibles and products. Mondo is best known for its limited-edition vinyl records and screen-printed posters…. . . . read more
Feature Report: The Back Story of Hasbro’s Boardroom Victory Over Alta Fox
June 8, 2022
Activist Investor Says Hasbro Board Needs To Go, But The Licensing Letter’s Analysis Shows Reason for Optimism By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Hasbro says shareholders voted by “a substantial margin” to re-elect all… . . . read more
Universal Music Centralizes Rosters for Bravado and Epic Rights
May 20, 2022
Bravado, Universal Music Group has announced the centralization of both Bravado and Epic Rights licensing rosters. Bravado acquired Epic Rights in 2019 and the new structure includes the expanded purview of Epic Rights’ SVP Global… . . . read more
Licensing Partnerships: LMCA and Stobbs Form Joint Venture in Europe
May 4, 2022
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The brand licensing agency LMCA is expanding into Europe in an innovative partnership with the IP law firm Stobbs. The new partners say their collaboration will offer clients in… . . . read more