By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The devil may love Prada, but Prada clearly loves Versace. So much so that Prada has dug deep into its fabulous handbag to pay out $1.38 billion to buy its smaller but prestigious rival Versace. The deal, which dropped on April 10, unites two of Italy's biggest names in fashion, and combines two very different but complementary styles. … [Read more...] about Prada Buys Versace in Major Merger of Top Fashion Brands
Michael Kors
Three New Eyewear Licensing Deals For EssilorLuxottica and Marcolin
TLL Staff It's been a productive month for eyewear manufacturers, as EssilorLuxottica and Marcolin reported key licensing renewals. First up, EssilorLuxottica and Dolce&Gabbana announced the early renewal of their successful licensing agreement for the development, production and worldwide distribution of prescription frames and sunglasses under the … [Read more...] about Three New Eyewear Licensing Deals For EssilorLuxottica and Marcolin
M&A: Shakedowns in Fashion & Food
Contact the Editor at karina@plainlanguagemedia.com. Inspire Brands agrees to acquire Sonic Corp. in a $2.3 billion deal. The restauranteur's portfolio includes 4,700 Arby’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Rusty Taco locations worldwide. This deal boosts Inspire's total to 8,200 locations, making it one of the 10 largest U.S. restaurant companies by that measure. Inspire will continue … [Read more...] about M&A: Shakedowns in Fashion & Food
Who’s News — 12/18/2017
Are you hiring—or being promoted, changing jobs, retiring, launching a new company, or otherwise changing your employment? Email Jen at jen@plainlanguagemedia.com and we'll announce the news in our next issue of Who's News. CJ Kettler is the new President of King Features Syndicate. Kettler is charged with bringing King properties—including Popeye, Betty Boop, Prince … [Read more...] about Who’s News — 12/18/2017
Mergers & Acquisitions
Phoenix Asset Management increases its stake in Hornby Hobbies to over 70% after increasing its stake to over 50% last month. Italian toy manufacturer Giochi Preziosi sells its 50% stake in Prenatal Retail Group to Artsana, giving Artsana full ownership of European retail brands brands Toy Centre, King Jouet, Prenatal, and Bimbostore. The deal is estimated to be worth 105 … [Read more...] about Mergers & Acquisitions
Mergers & Acquisitions
Beanstalk will now represent the personality rights of legendary icons. The service, formally called Icon Representation, will be led by Martin Cribbs, who has joined the agency as VP Brand Management. Orchard Street Ventures is a new agency specializing in lifestyle licensing. OSV currently represents Lionsgate, Time Inc. (Food & Wine and Southern Living magazines), and … [Read more...] about Mergers & Acquisitions