By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Move over Disney; the animation house Kartoon Studios is launching its own franchise for the A.A. Milne classic Winnie-The-Pooh. Today, the global studio announced new funding and critical new hires for the franchise, saying licensing and consumer products will be a major aspect of the program. The rights to the Winnie-The-Pooh … [Read more...] about Kartoon Studios Launching Its Own Winnie-The-Pooh Franchise
News & Trends
Who’s News: Scooter Braun Retires From Talent Management
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The famous but controversial talent manager Scooter Braun has officially announced he is leaving the business. The announcement of a "retirement" may be overstating the case, however, as Braun is continuing to work as the CEO at HYBE America, a company to which he sold his own Ithaca Holdings in 2021. Braun issued a statement saying he is … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Scooter Braun Retires From Talent Management
HanesBrands Signs Agreement to Sell Champion Business to ABG
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Authentic Brands Group (ABG) has entered into a definitive agreement with HanesBrands to acquire the IP and operating assets for Champion athletic apparel. Initially created in 1919, the Champion brand focuses on creating and distributing high-quality athletic and lifestyle apparel. The brand currently operates in more than 90 countries across … [Read more...] about HanesBrands Signs Agreement to Sell Champion Business to ABG
Who’s News: Moonbug Appoints Courtney Holt as MD of Americas
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Moonbug Entertainment has appointed Courtney Holt as the company’s new managing director for the Americas. In his new role at Moonbug, Holt will lead the commercial teams in North America, with a particular focus on the Moonbug's Originals division. Holt will work with the teams at Moonbug's Originals to manage the … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Moonbug Appoints Courtney Holt as MD of Americas
Six New Members Elected to Board at Licensing International
By TLL Staff Six new directors have been elected to the board of Licensing International, the world's largest association for the licensing industry. The new directors include Mandy Bardisbanian, Striker Entertainment; Michelle McLaughlin, Brand Activation Consulting; David Niggli, FAO Schwarz; Josh Romm, The Metropolitan Museum of Art; Jenny Strehle Ilic, H&M; and … [Read more...] about Six New Members Elected to Board at Licensing International
F.U.N. Literally Brings the Fun to Licensing Expo
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief It's easy to get overwhelmed by the onslaught of meetings at Expo, but Friendly Unofficial Networking says you shouldn't forget the importance of having fun as well. Also known as F.U.N., the group again staged a series of informal networking events in Las Vegas before and during the Licensing Expo, as a complement to the big main … [Read more...] about F.U.N. Literally Brings the Fun to Licensing Expo
Study Says Licensed Merch Sales Hits Record $356.5B in 2023
Licensing International Releases Executive Summary of 2024 Global Licensing Industry Study By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Global sales for licensing hit a new high in 2023 of $356.5 billion, up 4.6% increase over the previous year, according to a new study released by Licensing International. The global licensing association has just unveiled the executive summary … [Read more...] about Study Says Licensed Merch Sales Hits Record $356.5B in 2023
All The Winners of the 2024 Licensing Excellence Awards
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Licensing Expo started off with a bang as the winners of the 2024 Licensing Excellence Awards were unveiled by Licensing International. The winners were selected from 197 finalists in 32 categories. More than 800 submissions were received, narrowed down by an expert global judging panel of 200 judges from 20 countries. The … [Read more...] about All The Winners of the 2024 Licensing Excellence Awards
Casey Collins to Head Global Licensed Consumer Products at Hasbro
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Toyco giant Hasbro has promoted Casey Collins to head its sprawling licensed consumer products program worldwide. Collins was named as the new President of Global Licensed Consumer Products and Partnership/Alliances. Hasbro says that in this new position Collins will be focused on managing Hasbro’s key, high-level strategic partnerships, … [Read more...] about Casey Collins to Head Global Licensed Consumer Products at Hasbro
Who’s News: Hidden Pigeon Company Announces Two New Executive Appointments
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Hidden Pigeon Company (HPC) has appointed Tori Cook as its new SVP of franchise management and Paula Allen as its new publishing consultant. Founded in early 2023 by children’s author Mo Willems, Stampede Ventures and RedBird Capital Partners, HPC is an entertainment media company that focuses on expanding Willems IP to reach new platforms and … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Hidden Pigeon Company Announces Two New Executive Appointments