By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The US Dept. of Justice has filed suit to block the $2.2 billion acquisition of publishing giant Simon & Schuster by Bertelsmann, the parent company of its larger rival Penguin Random House. DOJ lawyers allege the takeover of the ViacomCBS subsidiary “would result in substantial harm to authors,” reducing competition, and creating a single … [Read more...] about Not So Fast: DOJ Sues To Block Acquisition of Simon & Schuster
News & Trends
Licensing Jobs: Software Firm Flowhaven Announces Four Key Hires
Flowhaven Makes Key Hires, Recruiting From Amazon, Atlassian, Espagon, and Zalando. Flowhaven, a leading Licensing Relationship Management platform (LRM), has strengthened its global leadership team with four strategic hires as the company continues its growth trajectory. Adam Rubin has joined the company as Vice President of Revenue, Tomi Heinonen as Vice President … [Read more...] about Licensing Jobs: Software Firm Flowhaven Announces Four Key Hires
Sustainable Licensing: Products of Change Appoints Gary Pope as Children’s Ambassador
The licensing sustainability organization Products of Change continues to grow its core team, and has now appointed Gary Pope as its new Children's Ambassador. Products of Change’s mission is to encourage companies and brands to meet their sustainability goals through education and working together to share best practices. As children’s ambassador, Pope is assigned to support … [Read more...] about Sustainable Licensing: Products of Change Appoints Gary Pope as Children’s Ambassador
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
Sustainable Licensing: Maya The Bee Creates Sustainability Guide For Licensees
Studio 100 Media and its popular brand Maya the Bee are taking the next steps in their mission to protect the environment and promote sustainability in licensing. Together with PACOON, a leading agency in Central Europe specializing in package design and sustainability, Studio 100 Media has developed an international Maya the Bee Eco Trend Book. The goal of the book is to … [Read more...] about Sustainable Licensing: Maya The Bee Creates Sustainability Guide For Licensees
Brand Licensing Europe Engages CignPost for COVID-19 Testing of Attendees
Licensing professionals will finally have the chance to meet face to face, non-digitally, as Brand Licensing Europe returns this month with its first in-person conference since the COVID-19 pandemic began. But, with the Delta variant still creating a threat to health, BLE says it's pulling out all the stops to ensure the event is safe for attendees. As a result, Brand Licensing … [Read more...] about Brand Licensing Europe Engages CignPost for COVID-19 Testing of Attendees
Products of Change Launches POC Advisors to Drive International Sustainability
THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE IS FROM PRODUCTS OF CHANGE, CARRIED AS FREE CONTENT ON TLL. Click HERE to see the original article. By Rob Hutchins Products of Change Writer Products of Change is building on a period of sustained growth with the launch of POC Advisors, marking the group’s latest move to support businesses and individuals across the licensing and consumer products … [Read more...] about Products of Change Launches POC Advisors to Drive International Sustainability
Sustainable Licensing: Animal Planet Roars Into Burger King With Eco-Friendly Toys
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Sustainability seems to have been the theme of this month at The Licensing Letter, as several companies including McDonald's Restaurants, Mattel, and Smiley have all revealed new environmentally friendly initiatives to reduce plastic waste, pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. Now, Burger King has announced it is working with Animal … [Read more...] about Sustainable Licensing: Animal Planet Roars Into Burger King With Eco-Friendly Toys
Sustainable Licensing: Smiley Gives The Planet Something to Smile About
The brand extension company Smiley says it has adopted an "Earth first" business strategy that puts sustainable practices first and foremost. Called the 2023 Future Positive campaign, Smiley says the company's goal is to become an "active ambassador for change ... by supporting retailers, brands and consumer product industries to develop innovative solutions to transition to a … [Read more...] about Sustainable Licensing: Smiley Gives The Planet Something to Smile About
Asembl Appoints Wendy Garth as Brand and Licensing Director
Appointment Coincides with Asembl Welcoming Fleur Harris to Global Client Portfolio Australia design, lifestyle and FMCG licensed brand extension agency Asembl has announced the appointment of Wendy Garth to the newly created position of Brand & Licensing Director – Design. Garth will drive the development of the agency’s new Fashion and Design division, which launches … [Read more...] about Asembl Appoints Wendy Garth as Brand and Licensing Director