The Italian licensing firm Maurizio Distefano Licensing (MDL) has begun its partnership with Global Merchandising Services with a slate impressive deals, including several iconic musical artists and the brand of British celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay.
Thanks to its agreement with Global Merchandising Services, a leader in creating unique and innovative international merchandise programs, MDL now represents in the Italian market a roster of artists who together have sold in excess of one billion records. They include some of the biggest names in rock, pop and metal: Motörhead, Iron Maiden, Slayer, Backstreet Boys, Little Mix and Louis Tomlinson, to name only a few.
MDL says the group of artists—who can boast sold-out tours all over the world and an influence on global fashion trends across a variety of musical genres—will offer MDL opportunities for projects in a wide range of categories. Apparel, accessories and footwear are only a few of the possibilities these properties offer, but food and beverage, makeup or home and living are among many other promising areas, the company says.
“We are eager to start working with Global Merchandising Services and the properties it offers to the Italian licensing market,” Maurizio Distefano, CEO of MDL, said. “This partnership enriches our portfolio and allows us to access another inspirational branch of the licensing world which, even at this early stage, has attracted many potential licensees.”
Distefano, an internationally accredited professional with over 20 years of experience in the sector, is President of the licensing agency and management consultancy that takes his name. Global Merchandising Services says their company is delighted to be working with a top licensing presence in Europe.
“We are delighted to work with Maurizio Distefano Licensing,” says José Santiago, International Licensing Manager at Global Merchandising Services. “This is a great opportunity to grow and continue to develop licensing for our clients’ in the key Italian market.” GMS is an award-winning music artist, celebrity, and brand merchandise company, with headquarters in London and Los Angeles.
Including the most recent agreement, the properties launched and distributed by MDL are:
Cartoons: Masha and the Bear, Bing, CoComelon, Blippi, Morphle, ZAFARI, Gigantosaurus, Kit’n’Kate, Monchhichi, ALVINNN!!! and the Chipmunks, Leo & Tig.
Brands: Hell’s Kitchen, Gordon Ramsay, Asterix, Gapchinska, Hamsta, Baileys, Guinness, Cup of Therapy, May Gibbs, ISA (International Space Archives), La Gazzetta dello Sport, LIFE.
Fashion: MDL is Master Agent Worldwide for PREMOLI+DI BELLA, Filippo Laterza and Stefano Cavalleri.
Music: Motörhead, Iron Maiden, Slayer, Backstreet Boys, Spice Girls, AC/DC, David Bowie, KISS, Pink Floyd, The Police, Woodstock, John Lennon, Lennon & McCartney Lyrics, Genesis, Janis Joplin, Miles Davis.