By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief When the global licensing agency Beanstalk was founded in 1992, not many major corporations were all that interested in the idea of comprehensive brand licensing. Today, however, corporate brands are everywhere, and that’s largely due to the work Beanstalk and a few other companies have done over the past 30 years. Allison Ames has … [Read more...] about Inside Beanstalk: The Pioneer in Corporate Brand Licensing
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Breaking News: J.M. Smucker Co. to Acquire Hostess Brands
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The J. M. Smucker Co. (NYSE: SJM) announced today the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire Hostess Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ: TWNK) in a $5.6 billion transaction. The planned acquisition marks a major development in the snack category of the food and beverage industry, as Hostess is among the best known brands in the sector. Smucker … [Read more...] about Breaking News: J.M. Smucker Co. to Acquire Hostess Brands
Perry Ellis Enters Into Timely Deal For Watches and Jewelry
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter The fashion brand Perry Ellis has secured a strategic partnership with Concepts In Time for a licensed men's watch and jewelry collection. Concepts In Time is a US-based product manufacturing company that specializes in watches, accessories and home décor. "We are extremely excited to partner with Perry Ellis, a brand known for its … [Read more...] about Perry Ellis Enters Into Timely Deal For Watches and Jewelry
Mergers & Acquisitions: French Billionaire Buys Majority Stake in Hollywood Agency CAA
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief There's been a seismic shift in the licensing industry, as French billionaire Francois-Henri Pinault has completed his acquisition of a majority stake in Creative Artists Agency. Pinault completed the acquisition through his family investment company, Artémis, which now replaces the private equity firm TPG as the majority share … [Read more...] about Mergers & Acquisitions: French Billionaire Buys Majority Stake in Hollywood Agency CAA
Holy Live Symphony, Batman! TCG Stages Batman-Inspired Concert
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief In a treat for your big pointy ears, TCG Entertainment is bringing the soundtrack from the 1989 Batman film to symphony halls around the world. The concert will celebrate the 35th anniversary of the blockbuster film, and will include the entirety of Danny Elfman's soundtrack for the film. “Hot on the heels of our success with our … [Read more...] about Holy Live Symphony, Batman! TCG Stages Batman-Inspired Concert
Mattel Forges Strategic Ad Sales Partnership With Pocket.watch
Pocket.watch Granted Exclusive Ad Inventory Sales Rights to Mattel’s YouTube Brand Channels Including Barbie, Hot Wheels, and American Girl By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Toy giant Mattel has signed a deal granting kids and family content creator Pocket.watch exclusive rights to sell advertising on its YouTube channels. The agreement covers more than 90 of … [Read more...] about Mattel Forges Strategic Ad Sales Partnership With Pocket.watch
IMG to Represent Keanu Reeves’ BRZRKR Comic Book Series
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief IMG is getting into the comics business with a BOOM!, as it has been appointed licensing agency for the BRZRKR series from Keanu Reeves. BRZRKR is a record breaking comic book series from BOOM! Studios that was created by actor Keanu Reeves and co-written with bestselling writer Matt Kindt. IMG has now been appointed as the brand's … [Read more...] about IMG to Represent Keanu Reeves’ BRZRKR Comic Book Series
Experiential Licensing: Falcon’s Beyond Soars With Huge Deal In China
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The theme park company Falcon's Beyond has inked a massive deal in China with the retail experience company K11 Group. The agreement combines the licensing-focused experiential company Falcon's Beyond with K11, one of the world's largest companies working in the area of retail entertainment. The deal will initially see Falcon's Beyond … [Read more...] about Experiential Licensing: Falcon’s Beyond Soars With Huge Deal In China
Must Read: Universal Music’s Grand Experiments With AI and Music Streaming Payments
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Universal Music Group is making huge moves to change how musicians are paid for streaming fees and for the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI). The company, known as one of the 'Big Three' for music companies globally, is working with the Deezer platform on streaming rights, and with Google on a deal to use musician's … [Read more...] about Must Read: Universal Music’s Grand Experiments With AI and Music Streaming Payments
Aspire Goes Back to School With Expanded Collegiate Slate
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Wildbrain CPLGis expanding its collegiate brand roster with newly added representation rights for the New York-based institution Columbia University, a leader in research and higher education in the US and around the world. The agreement was developed by ASPIRE, the dedicated Corporate & Lifestyle division of WildBrain CPLG. ASPIRE … [Read more...] about Aspire Goes Back to School With Expanded Collegiate Slate