The Licensing Letter

Iconix

Big Fashion Licensors Taking Back Control of their Brands

By Glenn S. Demby, Esq. The licensing model is one fashion trend that's unlikely to ever go out of style. But a growing number of fashion licensors—especially the bigger houses—are bucking the trend and taking back direct control of their brands. The most recent example is Puig, the Barcelona-based beauty company and owner of Jean Paul Gaultier fragrances, which earlier this … [Read more...] about Big Fashion Licensors Taking Back Control of their Brands

Tis the Season for Acquisitions

By Karina Masolova Companies were treating themselves this holiday season, with number of acquisitions making headlines. Here are some of the top buys: Sequential Brands Group restructured its agreement with Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia in a new 10 year contract to acquire all outstanding shares of the media company. Sequential expects to generate nearly $3.75 billion in … [Read more...] about Tis the Season for Acquisitions

Who’s News

Art licensing agency MHS Licensing has hired Cathy Anderson as an Account Executive. Iconix Brand Group has promoted Carolann Dunn to the newly created role of VP Sales for Peanuts Worldwide and Iconix Brand Group’s entertainment division Estée Lauder expands John Demsey's responsibilities to become Executive Group President. Jane Hertzmark Hudis is also promoted to Group … [Read more...] about Who’s News

Who’s News

Two months after the death of longtime CEO Satoru Iwata, Nintendo names Managing Director Tatsumi Kimishima as his successor. Licensing veteran Simon Kay launches a new brand extension and marketing consulting firm SNK Consulting. Sears Holdings names former Disney and Belkin Intl. executive Tom Park as President of its brands business units Kenmore, Craftsman and … [Read more...] about Who’s News

Who’s News

Neil Cole steps down as Chairman & CEO of Iconix Brand Group and is succeeded by board member Peter Cuneo on an interim basis. Cole is staying on with Iconix as a special advisor through Sept. 30. Andy Comer is named VP Creative Services for Tommy Bahama and will develop brand strategies across all channels including licensing, wholesale, retail, e-commerce and … [Read more...] about Who’s News

Iconix’s Cole Resigns from the Company He Founded

By Glenn Demby Neil Cole is stepping down as chairman, president and CEO of Iconix Brand Group Inc., the company he founded 10 years ago. He will remain on as a special adviser through September 30. Meanwhile, board member Peter Cuneo will succeed Cole as chairman and CEO on an interim basis. The announcement of Cole's departure added to what has already been a hectic … [Read more...] about Iconix’s Cole Resigns from the Company He Founded

Who’s News

Phil Knight steps down as Chairman of Nike after 40+ years and recommends current CEO Mark Parker as his successor. The Walt Disney Company taps company veteran Christine M. McCarthy to replace Jay Rasulo as chief financial controller and names Kevin Mayer chief strategy officer. Lucas Church, chairman of Endemol Shine U.K. and the Endemol Shine Group commercial board is … [Read more...] about Who’s News

Who’s News

Ron Garfield is leaving Sony Pictures Television to become the executive vice president and general manager of FremantleMedia North America’s new Buzzr TV digital network, which is scheduled to launch in 17 markets this summer.Anna Kislevitz is appointed Senior Manager Licensing and Merchandising for 41 Entertainment where she will work with key brands like Classic PAC-Man plus … [Read more...] about Who’s News

AG Sells Strawberry Shortcake for $105 Million

American Greetings has finally found a buyer for Strawberry Shortcake. Iconix Brand Group has reportedly agreed to acquire the iconic preschool brand for a cool $105 million. AG launched Strawberry Shortcake back in 1969 and has owned it ever since, developing the property into a global brand with over 350 licensees. According to TLL's Global Market for Licensed Preschool … [Read more...] about AG Sells Strawberry Shortcake for $105 Million

More Preschool Properties Originating Outside U.S.

The $10.6 billion worldwide preschool sector was one of the first within entertainment/character licensing in which properties originating outside the U.S. became part of global culture (see pie chart, below), according to The Licensing Letter’s just-published all-new 2nd edition of “The Global Market for Licensed Preschool Properties.” Because most preschoolers can’t read, … [Read more...] about More Preschool Properties Originating Outside U.S.