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IMG acquires Dubai’s 20too Licensing as it expands global licensing business

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IMG, a specialist in sports, events, fashion, and media, has acquired the Dubai-based 20too Licensing agency to further expand the global footprint of its licensing business.

Established in 2013, 20too Licensing manages consumer product development and brand extensions in the Middle East and North Africa for many of the world’s most popular entertainment and lifestyle brands, including NBCUniversal, Hasbro, The Smurfs, Sega, Smiley, the Discovery portfolio of brands such as Fatafeat, Food Network, Animal Planet and Discovery Channel.

The acquisition will bolster IMG’s presence in the MENA region, with 20too Licensing’s founder and CEO, Christian Zeidler becoming vice president of licensing at IMG, and he and his team moving into IMG’s Dubai office.

IMG represents some of the world’s most prestigious corporate trademarks and institutions, sports brands, teams and federations, fashion labels, lifestyle, media and entertainment properties, as well as major personalities. The agency executes strategic licensing programs for its clients through 25 offices located in major markets across the Americas, Europe and Asia.

Bruno Maglione, president of licensing at IMG, commented: “This is an exciting acquisition for our licensing business and ever-growing portfolio of prestigious clients. Christian and his team have built one of the MENA region’s most successful licensing agencies through creative, strategic brand ideation married to a deep knowledge of the region’s business environment and culture.

“His team will now have the full support and resources of the global IMG network and Endeavor infrastructure, and we in turn reinforce the reach and expertise of our unique licensing organisation.”

Zeidler said: “IMG is the universally recognised licensing industry powerhouse, and we are proud to become part of this extraordinary organisation. We look forward to leveraging their diverse experience and depth of resource with our specialised regional expertise to turbo-charge our activity on behalf of our clients in this region rich with ever-emerging new opportunities.”

Royal Ascot launches its first online shop and lines up new premium British brand partnerships

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Ascot Racecourse has launched a suite of new licensed product collections for 2021, with a selection of premium British brands and its first online shop through a flurry of deals brokered by IMG.

In a landmark moment for the racecourse, The Ascot Shop was launched in April and represents Ascot’s first e-commerce offering. Beyond the eight on-site stores managed by IMG, Ascot and Royal Ascot collections will now be showcased and available for consumers to purchase globally throughout the year via The Ascot Shop.

Meanwhile, new licensed products for 2021 include L.K.Bennett ladies ready-to-wear silk dresses, jumpsuits, skirts and tops, suits and silk scarves, plus Ascot’s first footwear collection, featuring courts and wedges. Available now from L.K.Bennett stores in the UK and China and John Lewis, prices range from £175-450.

In another first, 2021 marks the first year Royal Ascot will permit navy blue morning suits inside the Royal Enclosure. To celebrate, Favourbrook has launched its first Royal Ascot collection featuring a navy morning suit in addition to the more traditional grey and black variants. The collection also includes pinstripe trousers, waistcoats, ties and pocket squares.

Radley’s 2021 Royal Ascot collection has 13 new styles, including small leather goods for the first time, in wearable shades of Chalk, Salt Lake Pink and Butter Brown. The silhouettes are inspired by traditional leather saddlery techniques and one of the styles features hand-drawn illustrations.

Additionally, Charbonnel et Walker has created a bespoke top hat chocolate box, featuring a new flavour duo combination of milk sea salt and strawberries and cream truffles. Longstanding partners Christy’s London and Oliver Brown are also launching new Ascot-inspired collections in time for the Royal Meeting.

Felicity Barnard, commercial director at Ascot Racecourse, said: “We’re delighted to launch these new product collections for 2021 and extremely grateful to all our licensees who have created such elegant and inspiring collections. In a year when public attendance at Royal Ascot will be much reduced, we’re thrilled that The Ascot Shop website will provide people with the opportunity to purchase the Ascot and Royal Ascot collections online for the first time.”

Tim Smith, associate vice president of licensing, IMG, added: “We’re extremely excited for the return of the summer racing season and are delighted to have worked with Ascot Racecourse to launch a curated portfolio of beautiful products specially designed to celebrate the occasion, as well as the online Ascot Shop.”

IMG named global licensing representative for all animated releases from Skydance Animation

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IMG has been named the global licensing representative for all animated releases from Skydance Animation, including its first two features, Luck directed by Peggy Holmes, and Spellbound directed by Vicky Jenson.

The new multi-year deal will see the licensing agency develop extensive product licensing portfolios for Skydance Animation’s animated films and first theatrical-quality animated TV series.

“As we prepare for the debut of our first animation projects in the coming year, we are thrilled to be partnering with the world’s premier licensing agency to develop consumer products franchises that extend our stories and characters across retail platforms,” said Luis Fernández, head of consumer products, Skydance.

“Skydance Animation has assembled a team of legendary talent that is reimagining animation with some of the most exciting new feature-length film and series animation anywhere today,” added Bruno Maglione, president of licensing at IMG. “We’re proud to be on the ground floor of what promises to be an incredible journey of bold new stories, worlds and characters, and we look forward to building out engaging licensed product programs and experiences that bring them to life beyond the viewing experience.”

Academy Award-winner Jane Fonda will voice a lead role in Luck, written by Keil Murray, which centers around the unluckiest girl in the world, who after stumbling upon the never-before-seen world of good and bad luck, must join together with magical creatures to uncover a force more powerful than even luck itself.

Spellbound, is set in a world of magic where a young girl must break the spell that has split her kingdom in two. Written by Lauren Hynek, Elizabeth Martin and Linda Woolverton, the original score for the film hails from Academy Award-winner Alan Menken, with lyrics by Glenn Slater. Chris Montan serves as executive music producer.

Launched in 2017, Skydance Animation is using the power of animation to create original stories for global audiences of all ages, set in fantastic new worlds with unforgettable characters.

Gola partners with Global Brands Group to launch new apparel collection across Europe

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The British heritage sports brand, Gola and the European division of Global Brands Group Holding Limited, have signed an exclusive multi-year partnership to launch a new Gola-branded apparel collection, in a new deal brokered by IMG.

The new line will be available for purchase across Europe and Russia in selected fashion and department stores, beginning in February 2022. It will include t-shirts, sweatshirts, tracksuits, and jackets. Gola plans to extend the collection to include kids’ apparel, accessories, socks, sleepwear, and underwear.

“Gola is an iconic, beloved British brand that has built its reputation over 115 years,” said Eno Polo, president of Europe for Global Brands. “We’re thrilled to be partnering with the brand and leveraging our expertise and resources throughout Europe at every stage of development, from concept and design right through to sourcing, manufacturing, distribution and marketing.

“This new collection stays true to Gola’s origins as a heritage sports brand, while offering contemporary authenticity and wearability.”

Founded in 1905, Gola is an internationally recognised lifestyle brand renowned for its British roots, personality and strong sporting heritage. The new apparel collection will celebrate this by merging original Gola styles with contemporary designs and the latest trends.

“Our customers expect the best combination of quality, heritage and on-trend design and this new apparel collection delivers all of that,” said Gola’s managing director, Tony Evans. “We’re extremely pleased to be partnering with Global Brands to launch this new range that builds on our sportswear pedigree with up-to-date styles that will appeal to both new and existing Gola fans.”

Natalie Horne, associate vice president of licensing at IMG, added: “We are really excited about this collaboration between Gola and Global Brands, and to be combining Gola’s unique style with the latest fashion trends for the brand’s first European-wide apparel collection. We have no doubt the new collection will be very popular.”

24 Hours of Le Mans renews IMG partnership to build 2023 Centenary licensing programme

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The world’s oldest active sports car endurance race, 24 Hours of Le Mans is eyeing a new move into the toys, games, and collectables space as the prestigious annual event nears its 100th anniversary in 2023.

Under the renewal of its longstanding licensing representation agreement with IMG, the brand owner, Automobil Club de l’Quest is looking to develop further licensing opportunities for the event, building on its portfolio of some 80 strong licensees already in place.

Amid the plans for an extended licensing programme for the event that has been held annually near Le Mans in France since 1923, ACO is looking to take the 24 Hours of Le Mans brand into the toys, games, and collectables aisles, as well as apparel, homeware, and accessories.

The renewed licensing agreement will see IMG lead the licensing charge through to 2024.

With the return of major manufacturers such as Ferrari, Porsche, Audi and Peugeot, the ACO and IMG will be looking to add even more new renowned partners to the 24 Hours of Le Mans licensing programme.

Stéphane Andriolo, customer and events director, ACO, said: “The renewal of our agreement with IMG is in line with our global licensing strategy. The Automobile Club de l’Ouest is now focused on the Centenary of its iconic race in 2023. More than ever, our goal is to make the 24 Hours of Le Mans brand shine throughout the entire year and expanding our global footprint in all territories.”

Arthur Virapin, senior licensing manager, IMG, added: “We are proud that the ACO has once again entrusted us with the 24 Hours of Le Mans consumer licensing programme. In the last four years alone, together we have doubled the size of the race’s licensing portfolio, showing that almost 100 years since being established, its popularity and prestige is as strong as ever.

“As we start to rev up for the milestone centenary race in 2023, we look forward to further developing the programme into new and existing key categories and expanding 24 Hours of Le Mans’ presence globally.”

Jazwares extends Epic Games partnership for Fortnite toys and collectables through to 2025

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Jazwares has signed a new licensing partnership with Epic Games, extending the toy company’s current Fortnite deal through to 2025 and expanding upon its range of toys and collectables.

The deal, brokered by licensing agency IMG, will start from January 2022 and will see Jazwares become the exclusive toy partner for Fortnite four-inches and under action figures and their compatible play-sets, vehicles, accessories and more.

Jazwares will also continue to produce new R/C vehicles, all of which will be compatible with its full four-inch action figure line, and plush in varying sizes. Also in 2022, fans can expect a new lineup of highly detailed two-inch action figures with multiple points of articulation and accompanying play-sets, vehicles and accessories to build out their world of Fortnite in miniature scale.

The multi-year deal extends Epic Games and Jazwares’ successful three-year partnership.

Since 2018, Jazwares and Epic Games have worked together to bring the Fortnite universe into the real world for fans in over 50 countries, launching more than 350 toys and collectibles at retail that allow fans to interact with their favorite characters and experiences from the game in a brand new way.

“These toys and collectables have opened up the action-packed world of Fortnite, adding a whole new level of detail that fans can connect to like never before,” said Laura Zebersky, president, Jazwares.

“Through the continually evolving four-inch action figure universe and now the new two-inch range, we are expanding collectability to help fans build out the world of Fortnite. We are thrilled to be bringing these new, detailed micro scales to life for the first time, and look forward to working closely with Epic Games to continue growing fans’ Fortnite collections.”

In addition to the new items being released in 2022, Jazwares has unveiled new action figures, R/C vehicles and more, set to rollout at retail through 2021.

IMG and World Rugby seek global sports apparel supplier for 2021 to 2024 period

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The consultation process to find a global sports apparel supplier for all World Rugby competitions during the 2021-2024 will launch this month, World Rugby and its global master licensee IMG have revealed.

The global sports apparel supplier will, for the first time, have access to rights and assets for all of World Rugby’s international competitions, including Rugby World Cup 2021 and 2023.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan, the first to be hosted in Asia, broke attendance and broadcast audience records with 1.8 million fans in the stadiums and more than 857 million people tuning in from around the world to watch the action. Additionally, sales of the 2019 tournament’s licensed products and merchandise outperformed 2015’s by more than 40 per cent.

World Rugby commercial director, Tom Hill, said: “We are delighted to be kicking off this important process with IMG, our global master licensee. The selection of the right apparel supplier is key to projecting the sport, engaging with fans and growing revenues for reinvestment in the sport.

“Given the prestige of the properties this agreement will cover, the success of the apparel programme at RWC 2019 in Japan, and excitement around France 2023, this is an attractive and lucrative proposition for interested parties – one that will directly support the growth of rugby worldwide.”

Mickael Andreo, VP of licensing, IMG, added: “Rugby is enjoying unprecedented worldwide growth across male, female and youth participation after Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan broke a multitude of records in one of the most impactful and ground-breaking tournaments in the game’s history.

“We are looking forward to taking this opportunity to market as we believe it represents a singular opportunity for brands aiming to position themselves as the authority in the rugby space.”

Applicants should contact Maelle.Coulon@img.com with any questions.

Epic Games and IMG bring global football clubs to its hit gaming IP Fortnite

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Epic Games is celebrating global football this week by bringing more than 20 top clubs from around the world into its hit gaming IP, Fortnite, via a series of partnerships facilitated by IMG, Fortnite’s licensing representative.

Starting 23 January, players can choose from 10 different variants of new “Kickoff Set” Outfits to represent their favorite club in-game. Each Outfit can be swapped to any of the 23 football clubs participating, including teams from A-League, Bundesliga, Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, J1 League, La Liga, MLS, Premier League, Primeira Liga, Scottish Premiership and Serie A.

Fortnite players can visit the Creative Hub for an immersive football experience throughout the week, and join select clubs around the world in hosted Fortnite tournaments. Additionally, players will be able to earn or purchase two new football-themed emotes to show off their favorite moves.

“Football is consistently one of the top sports that our players tell us they want to see and experience in Fortnite,” said Nate Nanzer, head of global partnerships at Epic Games. “We’re excited to partner with IMG to bring the sport to Fortnite fans around the world as they face off in competitive tournaments, experience new creative modes of gameplay, and celebrate global football.”

Matthew Primack, SVP of licensing at IMG, added: “We’ve had a lot of fun working with our partners at Epic Games and football clubs from around the world to help bring this unique in-game experience to life.

“This is a truly international collaboration, tapping into clubs from almost every continent and offering fans the opportunity to express their passion for the beautiful game and their favourite team through the trailblazing world of Fortnite.”

The 23 participating football clubs are: AC Milan, A.S. Roma FC, Atlanta United FC, Borussia Mönchengladbach, Celtic FC, Cerezo Osaka, Esporte Clube Bahia, FC Schalke 04, Inter Milan, Juventus FC, Los Angeles FC, Manchester City FC, Melbourne FC, Rangers FC, Santos FC, Seattle Sounders FC, Sevilla FC, Sporting CP, Sydney FC, West Ham United FC, VfL Wolfsburg FC, Western Sydney Wanderers FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC.

IMG to grow licensing programme for Planet Hollywood and Earl Enterprises’ restaurant portfolio

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IMG has been appointed to head up the brand extension programme for Earl Enterprises’ portfolio of entertainment, leisure, tourism, and hotels and restaurants brands.

Under the deal, IMG will be working with Planet Hollywood, Buca di Beppo, Bertucci’s, Bravo! Italian kitchen, Brio Italian Grille, and Earl of Sandwich to develop new global product and brand partnerships.

IMG will work with Earl Enterprises to creatively extend its diverse portfolio across food, beverage, lifestyle, gaming, and experiential categories through a range of product and brand licensing collaborations that reflect the characteristics of its hospitality and restaurant brands.

“We firmly believe that customers’ affinities for our brands extend well beyond the in-restaurant dining experience and we are always looking for new ways to connect with our customers and be at the forefront of new trends,” said Robert Earl, founder and CEO of Earl Enterprises.

“IMG is the perfect partner to help take this to the next level, with a series of thoughtful licensed products and experiences that will embody everything customers know and love about our brands.2

Bruno Maglione, president of licensing, IMG, added: “We’re thrilled to be working with Earl Enterprises and its diverse portfolio of established restaurant brands loved around the world, from the iconic Planet Hollywood to the fun and festive family-favorite, Italian-American chain Buca di Beppo.

“Using our specialized expertise, we are looking forward to building upon their success and creating products and experiences that will allow consumers to enjoy their favorite menu items in new formats, new occasions and at home.”

IMG will pursue opportunities that reflect the heritage and tastes of each of the brands. IMG will work closely with Earl Enterprises and licensees to leverage the strength of the brands across a variety of new retail channels, including grocery, club, specialty, ecommerce, and more.

The Red Arrows to publish its official history with Penguin Random House’s Century

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The world-famous aerobatics display team division of the Royal Air Force, The Red Arrows, is to publish its official history with Century, an imprint of Penguin Random House, thanks to a new deal brokered by IMG. The book will be published in hardback, audio, and e-book on April 29th, 2021.

Called the Red Arrows: The Story of Britain’s Iconic Display Team, the title is written by head of the Red Arrows, Wing Commander David Montenegro, a former Red 1 and Red Arrows team leader. The title will feature tales from Red Arrows pilots, past and present, as it celebrates the division’s history of courage, daring, and skill of the past 50 years.

The book will also provide an insight on how the team represents the RAF and the United Kingdom around the world, its important role and work.

David Montenegro, Officer Commanding, Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, said: “Ever since our first dynamic display, the Red Arrows has aimed to inspire and enthrall through precision and teamwork – showcasing the excellence of the Royal Air Force, worldwide.

“Much of this activity, and the strength and success of the team, is achieved through the tireless application, innovation and dedication of our highly-trained personnel – individuals who have served operationally, helping the RAF to secure the skies and protect our nation.

“I hope readers, who may have seen one of our nearly 5,000 displays since 1965, or perhaps just have an interest in high-performing teams, will gain a new, unique and colourful perspective on the Red Arrows. However, above all, I want to bring all of the excitement, speed and vibrancy synonymous with a world-class Red Arrows show to even more people through a book illustrating the very best of British.”

Jess Ballance, editor at Century, Penguin Random House, added: “We couldn’t be more proud and excited to be publishing The Red Arrows. It grants readers a fascinating pilot’s-eye perspective of what it means to fly in those iconic aircraft. This book is a true celebration of the Red Arrows, one of Britain’s national treasures, and their fascinating history, featuring personal stories from the people behind the planes and exploring the skills and incredible mindset of the world-class Red Arrows pilots.”

Ballance commissioned world rights to the project from IMG, the Ministry of Defence’s exclusive licensing representative.