Sequential Brands Acquires Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia
Sequential Brands Group announced that it has signed a definitive merger agreement to acquire 100 percent of the outstanding shares of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc., (MSLO) for approximately $300 million, payable 50 percent in stock and 50 percent in cash.
Sequential says that the merger adds a new vertical to its platform, which is expected to generate nearly $3.75 billion in annual global retail sales from a combined portfolio of consumer brands in the home, fashion, lifestyle, and active categories.
Under the terms of the merger agreement, which has been approved by the boards of directors of both companies, Martha Stewart will continue to be an integral part of the brand she founded, with a renewed long-term commitment to serve as chief creative officer. Stewart will become a significant stockholder of the new public holding company of Sequential and MSLO and Stewart will be nominated to serve on its board of directors as of the closing.
Sequential says that MSLO reaches approximately 100 million consumers across all media platforms each month and has a growing retail presence in thousands of locations with retailers such as Macy’s, The Home Depot, PetSmart, Michaels, and Staples.
The merger also brings the Emeril Lagasse culinary brand to Sequential, inclusive of its stable of food and cookware product lines, television and book publishing properties, as well as Lagasse himself.
LIMA, Promarca Join Forces for LIMA Mexico
The International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association (LIMA) is joining forces with Promarca, the leading licensing organization in Mexico, to extend LIMA’s reach into the Latin American market with the formation of LIMA Mexico. The new arm of the organization will operate under a license from LIMA, utilizing the trade association’s trademark and related intellectual property. A managing director of LIMA Mexico will be named soon.
Under the new agreement, Promarca affiliates will become LIMA Mexico members with full LIMA benefits. With the opening of LIMA Mexico, LIMA will have seven international offices, including New York, London, Munich, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Melbourne.
WIT to Host Empowerment Day During Fall Toy Preview
Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WIT) announced its annual WIT Empowerment Day in Dallas on Monday, October 5. Following Empowerment Day is WIT’s Cocktails & Connections evening networking reception, which will begin immediately after the event.
In partnership with Walmart, WIT offers pre-qualified participants the opportunity to pitch their product to Walmart buyers onsite.
WIT Empowerment Day includes:
• Keynotes from Industry Luminaries
• Walmart Buyer Panel
• Startup and Growing Companies Panel
• Pitch Sessions and Speed Mentoring
• Expert guidance on product development, manufacturing and production, sales and distribution, marketing/PR, crowdfunding, and small business financing
• WIT Cocktails & Connections Evening Reception, which is open to all Dallas Fall Toy Preview attendees
Registration Now Open: Empowerment Day is free to WIT members, however they must be registered guests of Dallas Fall Toy Preview. Empowerment Day registration is required, including an application form for those who want to pitch Walmart buyers to prequalify and determine individual needs. Click here for registration information.
Empowerment Day Briefing Webinar—June 24: WIT will host a series of free Briefing Webinars to prepare participants for Empowerment Day. The first Webinar, “Are You Ready to Pitch Walmart” will be held tomorrow (June 24) from 12:00–1:00 pm ET, and will discuss the requirements women-owned businesses need to qualify to pitch Walmart, provide insights on how to prepare for product pitches, and answer questions about the event. For more information about the webinars, click here.
WIT’s Cocktails & Connections evening reception begins at 6:00 pm on October 5, and is open to all Dallas Fall Toy Preview attendees.
Bears for Humanity Grants First Award
Socially conscious brand Bears for Humanity presented its first-ever Bears for Humanity Humanitarian Award to Connecticut retailer Stamford Toys at the ASTRA Marketplace & Academy in Charlotte earlier this month.
The makers of the 100 percent certified organic cotton hemp teddy bear, Bears for Humanity is led by a Buy One, Give One model. For each teddy bear sold, one teddy bear is then donated to a foster child or orphan. Retailers who sell Bears for Humanity in their stores receive an automatic donation equal to the amount they have ordered to give to a charity of their choice.
Stamford Toys Owner Nick Tarzia generated the most donations out of any certified Bears for Humanity retailer this year, says the company.
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