NEWS
AUTHENTIC BRANDS SIGN LONG-TERM AGREEMENT FOR CHINA, HONG KONG, MACAU AND TAIWAN Authentic Brands Group has announced the signing of a long-term license agreement with Tristate Holdings Limited, a longstanding ABG partner and recognized global leader of premium brands, to become the core licensee and operator for Reebok in China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. With the Reebok agreement, ABG expands its current relationship with Tristate, who is the operator for other key ABG-owned brands including Nautica and Spyder. Tristate will take on the Reebok branded retail stores, e-commerce operations and wholesale distribution in China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. The license includes footwear for men, women and kids as well as sportswear, outerwear and activewear for men, women and kids. “We are thrilled to build on our longstanding relationship with ABG,” said Peter Wang, Chairman and CEO of Tristate. “Reebok is a highly sought-after brand, and we are confident in its direction under ABG’s ownership and strategic development worldwide. We look forward to bringing Reebok, a brand with incredible heritage and strength, into our 35-plus years’ experience of managing premium brands in the region.” “Having worked together for several years, we have established a trusted relationship with Tristate and are thrilled to continue our joint success as they take on the role of Reebok operator within Greater China,” said Jamie Salter, Founder and Chairman of ABG. “Securing an expert operating partner in the region has been a strategic focus in order to solidify the brand’s position within this crucial market.” The agreement becomes effective upon the completed transfer of ownership of the Reebok brand from adidas to ABG. The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2022.
SUSTAINABILITY AWARD ADDED TO B&LLAS
ANIMAL PLANET EXPANDS IPR Licensing and Animal Planet UK, a member of the Discovery, Inc. family of brands, have recently announced an expanded licensing partnership in the UK. The expansion includes six new partners to IPR’s licensing roster. The new apparel licensing partners include product ranges across adults, kids and baby sustainable apparel from Poetic Brands with exclusive retail collections in development for 2022, complemented with hosiery from Roy Lowe & Sons. Additionally, Crackerjack will launch a natural beauty, bath and gift product line. A new deal with Danilo includes a 100% recycled and recyclable greeting cards range and wrap. Assured Products have launched a range of pet hygiene products for domesticated animals and family pets. Benross will launch a line of projectors, torches and lighting, plus a playful pet grooming range including hair dryers for pets and grooming tables. These new partners join existing licensees Biobuddi, DC Thomson, Mojo Fun and Prime 3D covering UK consumers the chance to explore the world of animals. Tina-Louise Foster at IPR Licensing, commented “Animal Planet is a much-loved brand with a mission to engage and excite audiences who are passionate about wildlife and protecting wild spaces through compelling storytelling. The ranges being developed by these new licensees will do just that, with every product telling a story.” Ian Woods, SVP International Consumer Products at Discovery added “We are thrilled to welcome these new partners to the Animal Planet UK licensing programme. We know that families will love the innovative ranges and the products will inspire children to discover more about the animals and the world we share.”
The new accolade will recognise and reward the sustainable credentials of a brand licensed product or range. Entries can be for a single product or range, of any type. It can involve collaborations, but a brand license (non-entertainment) has to be part of this. The product or range must have been on sale or visible in the UK between 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2021, though it can have had a presence elsewhere in the world, too. Products/ ranges can be entered into this award as well as into another category. Like the other B&LLAs 2022 categories, entry for The Sustainability Brand Licensed Range is completely free of charge. The Brand & Lifestyle Licensing Awards 2022 will take place on Wednesday 27 April at an afternoon event at the Hilton Park Lane, London. PAGE 10
TOTAL BRAND LICENSING
