By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Starbucks scored a big win on a celebrity licensing deal over the weekend, as 'Swifties' flocked to the world's most popular barista chain for a Taylor Swift-themed Grande Caramel Nonfat Latte. As some described it, the 'Taylor's latte" featured the taste of caramel, a crisp autumn day, and a 'bad breakup in 2012', a reference to the song … [Read more...] about Celebrity Licensing: Starbucks and Taylor Swift Collab on ‘Taylor’s Latte’
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Licensing Opportunities: All The Shows And Films Unveiled On Disney+ Day
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief It's Disney+ Day, and the House of Mouse has revealed release dates, trailers and artwork for more than two dozen new shows and films for the coming year. Despite a rough couple of years due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Disney remains the world's top generator of brand licensing, and Disney+ has become the brightest star in … [Read more...] about Licensing Opportunities: All The Shows And Films Unveiled On Disney+ Day
Toy Licensing: Bulldog Launching UK Licensing Program For Magic Mixies
The ‘wow toy of 2021’ from Moose Toys has experienced a phenomenal UK launch The toy phenomenon Magic Mixies is hitting the shores of the United Kingdom, quickly becoming one of the top products on every family's Christmas wish list. Now, Bulldog Licensing has extended its range of brands it represents under the Moose Toys umbrella with the enormously popular new launch, … [Read more...] about Toy Licensing: Bulldog Launching UK Licensing Program For Magic Mixies
Character Licensing: Moniker Partners With Peanuts For eSports Apparel
Gaming apparel specialist The Moniker Group announced this week it has launched a new collaboration with Peanuts Worldwide. The multi-year licensing agreement entails the release of multiple capsule collections via Moniker’s esports brands, H4X and ESX360. This collection will be available onlineand through their brick-and-mortar retail distribution partners. The esports … [Read more...] about Character Licensing: Moniker Partners With Peanuts For eSports Apparel
Licensing Awards: Toy Of The Year Finalists Named
The Toy Industry has announced the finalists for the coveted Toy of the Year Awards for 2022. From creative construction toys and innovative collectibles to lovable plush and toys for grown-ups, the finalists announced this week will certainly be topping wish lists this holiday season. Known as the "Oscars" of the toy industry, the TOTY Awards program recognizes the top … [Read more...] about Licensing Awards: Toy Of The Year Finalists Named
Mergers and Acquisitions: Moonbug Acquired By Unnamed Media Company
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Huge news for the children's animation studio Moonbug Entertainment, as the company has been acquired by a media venture run by former Disney execs Kevin Mayer and Tom Staggs. The valuation of the deal was not revealed by the media group, but people familiar with the negotiations have said it was worth between $2.75 billion to $3 billion when … [Read more...] about Mergers and Acquisitions: Moonbug Acquired By Unnamed Media Company
Not So Fast: DOJ Sues To Block Acquisition of Simon & Schuster
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
Celebrity Licensing: Elton John’s Licensed Eyewear Launching at Sam’s Club and Walmart
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief When you think about it, it's hard to believe it's taken this long to see eyewear on the market from the legendary pop star Elton John. But, while it may have been a long Yellow Brick Road to get here, the Rocketman himself has now released a new line of eyewear, launching exclusively at Sam's Club and Walmart stores. John says he … [Read more...] about Celebrity Licensing: Elton John’s Licensed Eyewear Launching at Sam’s Club and Walmart
Facebook Rebrands As ‘Meta’ And Unveils Its Strategy For the Metaverse
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg unveiled today his new vision for the social media giant, introducing a major branding change of the parent company under the name Meta. More importantly, Zuckerberg outlined wholesale changes to the company that transformed the world of social media, in ways that will have major implications for the entire … [Read more...] about Facebook Rebrands As ‘Meta’ And Unveils Its Strategy For the Metaverse
Film Licensing: Gower Street Predicts $21.6 Billion Recovery For Global Box Office
A Special Report For TLL Members Only By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief There's finally some good news for theaters and film studios, as the analytics firm Gower Street has raised its end of year estimate for global box office returns in 2021. The estimate has been revised up to $21.6 billion, from a previous estimate of $20.2 billion. "Further, we anticipate a potential … [Read more...] about Film Licensing: Gower Street Predicts $21.6 Billion Recovery For Global Box Office