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i need a hero
POW! Entertainment and Genius Brands come together to form a new joint venture, Stan Lee Universe, which collects over 100 original Stan Lee creations from the pop culture icon’s post-Marvel Entertainment era.
The dedicated business and creative unit will develop movie films, comic books, toys, and licensed products worldwide for previously unexploited properties like Stan Lee’s Tomorrow Men, Stringbean, Black Fury, and Virus.
Roughly seven properties a year are expected to be developed and licensed.
diversity of thought
Disney Publishing Worldwide collaborates with one of its bestselling author in the shape of Melissa de la Cruz Studio.
The joint venture aims to work with a diverse group of emerging and established authors for readers of all ages, from picture books to adult, with a primary focus on middle grade and young adult.
De la Cruz will work with the Disney editorial team to develop new original content worldwide, including longtime editor Emily Meehan, VP & Publisher of Disney Hyperion and new intellectual property.
yeezy stepping into apparel
In addition to royalties, Kanye West’s collaboration with Gap for the Yeezy brand entity entitles the star to equity in the apparel company if the deal is successful—to the tune of 8.5 million shares if $700 million in net sales is reached in one year (or 2% of Gap’s stock).
The licensed apparel line is expected to appear in stores globally 2021.
kicking off new retail
Spanish football club Real Madrid CF launches an expansive omnichannel retail program including a new official online store, the relaunch of three official stores in Madrid, and a new Flagship Megastore.
Experiences company Legends will manage all merchandise operations globally for the comprehensive retail platforms, which will offer the latest assortment of fan gear, kits, headwear, customized products, authenticated memorabilia, and accessories.
beauty in partnership
Cosmetics maker Coty agrees to buy a 20% stake in Kim Kardashian West’s make-up brand KKW for $200 million, after purchasing a 51% stake in younger sister Kylie Jenner’s business last year.
Although this year’s deal is a more cautious approach to courting the celebrity family, according to the FT, Coty has the option to acquire a majority stake in KKW later on. KKW is expected to expand into skincare products in addition to its successful lines of lipsticks, eyeshadows, foundations and powders.
Coty has struggled to integrate Procter & Gamble’s expensive $12.4 billion beauty business over the last three years as flagship mass-market brands like CoverGirl and Max Factor slid in favor of upstart cosmetics brands favored by digital influencers.
building out home
Contract office furniture company Haworth acquires Luxury Living Group, a high-end Italian furniture company with licenses including Bugatti, Bentley, and Fendi.
The newly acquired company will operate under Lifestyle Design alongside brands like Cappellini, Cassina, Ceccotti, DZine, Karakter, JANUS et Cie, Luminaire and Poltrona Frau.