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STATE OF THE NATION: CORPORATE
Business Matters
Below: Power Rangers is marking its 25th anniversary this year.
It’s certainly been a bumper three months for news in the licensing industry – from property acquisitions and familiar faces launching fresh ventures, through to major anniversary celebrations and international expansions. LSB rounds up just some of the latest activity.
Hasbro to acquire Saban’s Power Rangers Hasbro is to acquire Saban’s Power Rangers and several other entertainment brands in a deal valued at around $522 million. The acquisition is expected to officially go through in the second quarter of 2018. The deal also includes other Saban entertainment brands including My Pet Monster, Popples, Julius Jr, Luna Petunia and Treehouse Detectives among others. Brian Goldner, Hasbro’s chairman and ceo, said that, following the company’s deal to become the master toy for Power Rangers earlier this year, it became clear how much potential was in the brand. He commented: “Shortly after entering into our licensing arrangement, it became clear that now was the time to begin investing in unlocking Power Rangers’ full potential. “We see significant opportunity for Power Rangers across our entire Brand Blueprint, including toys and games, consumer products, digital gaming and entertainment, as well as geographically throughout our global retail footprint.” Brian (who is being inducted into the LIMA Hall of Fame at this year’s awards) continued: “We couldn’t be more pleased that Haim Saban will continue in a consulting role to further guide our development of this valuable property for the next generation of Power Rangers fans.” Haim Saban, founder of Saban Brands and creator of Power Rangers, added: “25 years after launching Power Rangers, I believe the future for this brand has never been greater.“ The first set of products from Hasbro will be available from spring 2019.
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LICENSING SOURCE BOOK EUROPE 2018
Max Arguile debuts Reemsborko Former GB eye exec, Max Arguile has opened the doors of his own specialist licensing consultancy, Reemsborko. The aim of Max’s new company is to fill what he sees is a gap in the market Above: Max will focus for consultancy in new media and on animé, video and emerging areas such as animé, video and mobile gaming, plus mobile gaming, along with specialised art art and design brands. and design brands. Reemsborko will offer a full consultancy service for licensees eager to work with different properties that will stand out on the shelves in the UK market. The new company will also advise on future trends.
Sainsbury’s and Asda to merge Sainsbury’s has confirmed plans to merge with Asda – with the deal creating one of the UK’s leading grocery, general merchandise and clothing retail groups. Sainsbury’s currently has 13.8% market share, while Asda (which is currently owned by US supermarket giant Walmart) has 12.9% – this means the combined force would exceed Tesco’s 25% market share. A statement said there would be no job losses or store closures as a result of the merger. However, prices would be expected to lower by c.10% on many of the products customers buy regularly. Walmart will retain a 42% stake in the newly merged company following the deal, with the combined group led by Mike Coupe, chief executive of Sainsbury’s.