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Its official! Michael Kors acquires Versace for $2.12 billion

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Its official! Michael Kors acquires Versace for $2.12 billion

It’s official now! In the race to build America’s first-ever luxury conglomerate, Michael Kors Holdings, now renamed Capri Holdings, has acquired the world-famous Italian fashion house Versace for a value of approximately USD 2.12 billion, including debt.

The primary cash deal — with only €150 million in stock is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2019, reduce earnings in the first year, but contributing profits starting in year two.

“This is a very exciting moment for Versace. It has been more than 20 years since I took over the company along with my brother Santo and daughter Allegra. I am proud that Versace remains very strong in both fashion and modern culture. Versace is not only synonymous with its iconic and unmistakable style, but with being inclusive and embracing of diversity, as well as empowering people to express themselves. Santo, Allegra and I recognize that this next step will allow Versace to reach its full potential,” Donatella Versace said in a statement.

The Italian designer added, “We are all very excited to join a group led by John Idol, whom I have always admired as a visionary as well as a strong and passionate leader. We believe that being part of this group is essential to Versace’s long-term success. My passion has never been stronger. This is the perfect time for our company, which puts creativity and innovation at the core of all of its actions, to grow.”

The Versace family will become shareholders of Capri Holdings Limited, with Donatella keeping her role as creative director of the fashion house. Capri Holdings, formerly Michael Kors Holdings, now has three major fashion houses under its portfolio: Michael Kors Collection, Jimmy Choo, and Versace.

“The acquisition of Versace is an important milestone for our group…We believe that the strength of the Michael Kors and Jimmy Choo brands, and the acquisition of Versace, position us to deliver multiple years of revenue and earnings growth,” John D. Idol, CEO of Michael Kors Holdings Limited, said in a release.

In a presentation released to investors, Kors outlined its plans for Versace, including increasing its global retail footprint from 200 stores to 300, building out e-commerce and expanding men’s and women’s accessories and footwear. Currently, it makes up 35 percent of the business, the group would like to increase that to 60 percent respectively.

Under the new organization, John D Idol will remain chairman and chief executive of Capri Holdings and also chief executive of the Michael Kors brand. Versace chief executive Jonathan Akeroyd will continue on, as will creative director Donatella Versace.

The acquisition is the latest in a recent wave of industry alliance that has seen Ermenegildo Zegna purchase Thom Browne, and the Puig Group take a majority stake in Dries Van Noten.

FREAKY FRIDAY: How ‘Promotional Licensing’ helps in endorsing a product

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FREAKY FRIDAY: How ‘Promotional Licensing’ helps in endorsing a product

The fast-catching trend in the Indian brand licensing & merchandising industry today is that of ‘Promotional Licensing’.

Brands in the FMCG sector, personal care, and food associate themselves with favourite characters to create short-term tactical campaigns to help them create more awareness about their products and to increase the selling usage.

In a layman’s term, it is a marketing agreement between a manufacturer and a character (be it celebrity or cartoon) to use his or her image in promoting a product.

To make you understand, here is a quick example:

Suppose, XYZ Foods had a licensing agreement with Warner Bros. characters – Scooby-Doo and team. The company is planning to launch their new Chinese flavoured chips. As per the association, customers will get an interesting collectible (be it small figures, cards or tattoos) with the packet purchased.

Companies such as McDonald, Kinder joy used this strategy to lure kids and attract customers.

In other words, the company is selling their products (be it biscuits, burgers, health drinks) giving a character branded free that will surely make the customers buy more products.

In public places such as a mall, a multiplex, or a retail chain, companies constantly thinking of new ideas that can help you pull crowds in your property. The best way to promote your product is to organize a licensed event (product showcase or character meet and greet) to gain more footfall.

Recent Example: 

The Smiley Company has entered into promotional deals with Mondelez International in Asia and Unilever in France. In association with Mondelez, Smiley has released on-pack and in-pack promotions on Cadbury’s Lickables and Gems candy products in India and Bangladesh.

Customers can choose from 16 exciting mini Smiley toys. The toys include fidget spinners, phone stands, puzzles, mazes and stamps among others. In addition, the Cadbury products will come with a Smiley-branded packaging.

However, if you deliver your message in many different ways, you increase your odds of reaching your target market. You may want to communicate a range of messages to different markets.

Without the proper promotional mix, you may waste your limited resources by taking a disorganized approach.

A promotional mix is an allocation of resources among five primary elements: Advertising, Public relations or publicity, Sales promotion, Direct marketing, and Personal selling.

How to establish the right promotional mix:

Determining the target sector: The segment of people that needs, or would benefit from, your product or service is your target market.

Designing the message: The design of your communication incorporates two main factors: content and format.

Carefully select your promotional channels: Weighing the pros and cons of all the promotional methods (be it advertising, billboards or broadcast) gives it a success.

India’s retail sector to grow to $1.3 trillion by 2020: Anarock Report

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India’s retail sector to grow to $1.3 trillion by 2020: Anarock Report

India’s retail sector is projected to grow to $1.3 trillion by 2020 from the level of $672 billion in 2017, Anarock Retail report on India’s offline and online retail market stated.

“India’s retail sector is on a faster roll than ever before and the boosters acting on the retail sector are rapid urbanisation and digitisation, rising disposable incomes and lifestyle changes, particularly that of the middle-class,” explained Anuj Kejriwal, Managing Director and CEO, Anarock Retail.

Anarock retail in its study about online retail said space will jump at four times to $73 billion by 2022 from an estimated $17.8 billion in 2017. The offline retail sector meanwhile is projected to grow from $672 billion in 2017 to $1.3 trillion in 2020.

Combining $1.3 trillion (value of offline retail by 2020) and $73 billion (size of online retail in 2022) suggests that the two sectors will at least contribute $1.99 trillion by 2022.

“The Indian retail sector is on a faster roll than ever before. Rapid urbanisation and digitisation, rising disposable incomes and lifestyle changes – particularly of the middle-class – are acting as booster rockets for the Indian retail sector,” Anuj further stated.

Anarock retail in a report said that the retail sector attracted $147.4 million during last fiscal as against $104.34 million in the previous year.

According to the report, the Indian retail market has evolved from traditional shops to multi-format stores and malls and the highly tech-driven e-commerce model.

Factors such as the availability of cheaper handsets and data plans are factors for a rapid growth of e-commerce models.

“India is today one of the fastest growing e-commerce markets worldwide, with millions of new internet users taking advantage of cheap smartphones and high-speed data…In fact, e-commerce in India is growing faster than in other countries like Australia, Japan, China and South Korea,” Kejriwal said.

Options such as cash-on-delivery and manufacturers’ warranty have added fuel to the fire. Cash-on-delivery has become the most preferred payment option with over 30 per cent buyers opting for it in India, the report further stated.

As per the report, growing significantly at a CAGR of 20-25 per cent annually, organized retail penetration is expected to be over 10 per cent of the total Indian retail market by 2020 as against just 7 per cent currently.

The organized retail market is estimated to increase to 19 per cent across the top seven cities during the same period from the current 9 per cent.

High demand for a superior customer ‘experience,’ penetration of big brands into smaller towns and cities, enhancement in business strategies and operations, along with the movement from unorganised to organised business have been key factors driving this growth.

Furthermore, liberalisation in FDI policies and the introduction of Goods and Service Tax (GST) by the Centre has repositioned the Indian retail sector on the global map, attracting a large number of global retailers into the Indian diaspora and further driving growth of organised retail in the country.

Anarock Retail is an arm of Anarock property consultants that advises domestic and foreign companies on retail projects.

Smiley Company enters into promotional deals with Mondelez, Unilever

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Smiley Company enters into promotional deals with Mondelez, Unilever

The Smiley Company has entered into promotional deals with Mondelez International in Asia and Unilever in France.

In association with Mondelez, Smiley has released on-pack and in-pack promotions on Cadbury’s Lickables and Gems candy products in India and Bangladesh.

Customers can choose from 16 exciting mini Smiley toys. The toys include fidget spinners, phone stands, puzzles, mazes and stamps among others. In addition, the Cadbury products will come with a Smiley-branded packaging.

Smiley will replicate the campaign in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines through 2019.

Smiley has also partnered with Unilever for a Smiley-branded loyalty program at Carrefour stores across France.

“Smiley brings a smile to the faces of consumers at retail, and we are helping big brands reach their customers in exciting ways,” Lori Heiss-Tiplady, vice president, brand strategy, Smiley was quoted as saying.

Recently, The Smiley Company had partnered with luxury brand Anteprima for the launch of a unique Smiley winky 3D wirebag line at Milan Fashion Week.

Smiley World, founded by French journalist Franklin Loufrani more than 25 years ago, has built a business from royalties collected on a symbol they trademarked in over 100 countries, for use over a wide range of product categories.

Standard to partner with ISL’s Kerala Blasters

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Standard to partner with ISL’s Kerala Blasters

Standard, FMEG brand owned by Havells India announced its partnership with Kerala Blasters for the season, making its first association with the Indian Super League.

“We are delighted to associate with Kerala Blasters as they are a rare blend of youthful energy, exuberance, talent, and popularity that complements the brand ethos of ‘young energy of India,” said Abhra Banerjee, VP, Havells India.

The company aims to achieve a turnover of Rs 1,000 crore by 2020-21 with its 42 divisions across the country. Blasters players will sport the Standard logo on their jerseys.

“I welcome Standard on board to support the team and look forward to a rewarding association. Standard is a trusted brand with mass appeal and a deep connection with the youth. It resonates well with the Indian Super League that is bound to change the development trajectory of Indian football. With this association, we want to unlock the aspirational energy of our youth,” Varun Tripuraneni, CEO, Kerala Blasters was quoted as saying.

The Indian Super League is a men’s professional football league in India. For sponsorship reasons, the league is officially known as the Hero Indian Super League. One of the top football leagues in the country, it currently shares the top spot in the Indian football league system with the I-League.

NYCC 2018: HBO brings new wave of ‘Game of Thrones’ merchandises

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NYCC 2018: HBO brings new wave of ‘Game of Thrones’ merchandises

New York Comic Con is home to some of the hottest exclusives that you will ever see, which begins on a high note yesterday (October 4) and will remain till October 7. Taking place at the Javits Convention Center in midtown Manhattan, it’s already begun welcoming fans from all over the world to take part.

To make it more interesting, HBO is taking to the streets of the Big Apple during New York Comic Con, partnering with Funko for an official pop-up shop throughout the convention.

The collection set to include collectible Funko products such as Pop! Vinyls, Pop! Keychains, Pop! Tees, Dorbz, pint glasses and more, from beloved HBO series Game of Thrones, Westworld, Silicon Valley, Veep, and Last Week Tonight with John Oliver. This limited time event will be open from 10 am to 8 pm on all the event days.

Check it out here:

Recently, HBO is also commemorating a decade of filming in Northern Ireland by opening up sites featured in the show to the public as attractions including Winterfell, Castle Black, and Kings Landing. In addition to the sets, the plan is also to potentially include a formal studio tour of Linen Mill Studios, which will showcase content from the series spanning all seasons and settings.

In addition, famed scotch maker Johnnie Walker is launching single malt scotch whisky collection inspired by the villainous White Walkers of HBO’s hit series.

Game of Thrones was a big winner at the 70th Primetime Emmy Awards, taking home the award for ‘outstanding drama series.’

The fantasy-drama will conclude with its eighth season premiering in 2019. The tentative targeted open date is set for 2019.

Fossil Group, Citizen inks licensing deal for hybrid smartwatches

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Fossil Group, Citizen inks licensing deal for hybrid smartwatches

Fossil Group has partnered with Japanese watchmaker Citizen to launch a line of hybrid smartwatches.

These watches that will look analog will actually include a number of digital functionalities. According to the licensing deal, Citizen will manufacture and sell hybrid smartwatches featuring Fossil Group’s technology.

As per the transaction, the two companies will also work together to “bring future innovation” to the smartwatch category.

“Our partnership with Citizen, the world’s largest smartwatch and movement manufacturer, will enable us to broaden and accelerate the awareness and adoption of hybrid smartwatches”, said Kosta Kartsotis, CEO of Fossil Group, in a statement. “We, Citizen, and Fossil Group will maximize our combined strengths to become leading companies in the smartwatch category”, Toshio Tokura, President and CEO of Citizen was quoted as saying.

Since 2016, the growing hybrid smartwatch category has been defined by Fossil Group and its portfolio of watch brands as timepieces that retain the classic aesthetic of analog watches, but also offer discreet notification and tracking capabilities without the need for charging. Hybrid smartwatches are projected to make up a significant percentage of smartwatch shipments by 2022, according to Juniper Research.

Recently, Fossil Group had also announced a global licensing agreement with Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft (BMW) for a collection of BMW-branded watches and smartwatches. The watches will be designing, developing and distributing through 2023.

Founded 100 years ago, Citizen sells its watches in more than 130 countries.

Fossil Group is a global design, marketing, distribution, and innovation company specializing in lifestyle accessories. Under a diverse portfolio of owned and licensed brands, the products include fashion watches, jewelry, handbags, small leather goods, and wearables. It holds licenses to brands such as Emporio Armani, Kate Spade New York, and Michael Kors among others.

Elton John, Universal Music Group strike global partnership licensing deals

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Elton John, Universal Music Group strike global partnership licensing deals

Rocket Entertainment and Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment announced a significant new agreement to provide Elton John, one of music’s most iconic artists and the most successful male solo artist in US Billboard chart history, the industry’s best resources and expertise across recorded music, music publishing and licensing rights.

The partnership not only means that UMG represents the entirety of Elton John’s legendary creative output throughout his extraordinary five-decade career, but also will see UMG’s labels globally release all of Elton John’s new music for the rest of his career going forward.

The multi-faceted agreement marks the beginning of a new era of expanded collaboration between Elton John and UMG and significantly expands their global business partnership. The long-term commitment also includes the publishing rights to his iconic songwriting catalog to be administrated by Universal Music Publishing Group long into the future. Bravado, UMG’s brand-management, and merchandise company will work closely with Rocket to expand and develop global merchandising, branding and retail licensing opportunities around Elton’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road world tour and catalog.

In making the announcement, Elton John said, “In UMG we’ve got the perfect partners to support all aspects of my creative endeavour. Lucian, Jody, David and the UMG family share the values that we hold dear – nurturing artistry, restless creativity, and innovation. I’m proud and delighted to have them stand alongside me as I embark on the next phase of my career”

Working with David Furnish, CEO of Rocket Entertainment, UMG will leverage its unique combination of global reach, creative and commercial expertise, and renowned marketing and promotional support to ensure Elton John’s current releases, alongside his rich songwriting and recorded music catalogs, are continually introduced to new generations of fans, and that his music’s cultural impact expands through innovative campaigns in countries around the world.

David Furnish, CEO of Rocket Entertainment, said, “Elton’s hunger and desire to push himself creatively and collaborate with the best, most exciting creatives in the world are as great as ever, and Universal fully shares our vision to keep Elton at the forefront of popular culture.”

David Joseph, Chairman & CEO of Universal Music UK, said, “We adore working with Elton, naturally because he’s one of the greatest artists in the world with songs which connect with every generation, but also for his unrivalled support and championing of new artists. Since David became CEO of Rocket, he’s brought a new energy and perspective which has made our partnership more ambitious, innovative and collaborative than it has ever been.”

Since becoming CEO of Rocket Entertainment in 2015, Furnish has fostered an ever-closer working partnership with UMG.

Netflix to develop new series on ’The Chronicles of Narnia’

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Netflix to develop new series on ’The Chronicles of Narnia’

Netflix has announced plans to develop “new series and film projects” based on C.S. Lewis’s ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’ book series.

Netflix has already adapted popular books into new TV shows and films such as To All The Boys I Loved Before movie and the upcoming Chilling Adventures of Sabrina series, which is based on Archie Comics.

The deal is touted as a huge investment because it marks the first time that one company has the rights to all of the seven books in the series. However, details on the number of films or series to be released is still unknown.

As per a report in Deadline, Netflix wants to build a Narnia cinematic universe similar to Marvel’s superhero franchise.

The seven Narnia books have sold more than 100 million copies, and have been translated into more than 47 languages. The books have been adapted into many different forms, from stage plays to radio shows, but the most popular adaption of the books were the films released in the 2000s.

Here’s the chronology of the movies:

2005 – The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

2008 – Prince Caspian

2010 – The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

All the three movies got about $1.5 billion worldwide. A fourth film was scheduled to start filming later this year, with a release date in somewhere 2019.

Are you guys excited?

After singer, Priyanka Chopra branches out as a start-up investor

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After singer, Priyanka Chopra branches out as a start-up investor

Actor Priyanka Chopra is all set to board on a new “chapter” as an investor in tech start-up Humberto School, a coding education company, as well as in dating and social media app Bumble.

The actor took to the Twitter and wrote on Thursday. “A new chapter for me! I am so excited to partner with Bumble and Holberton School as an investor. I’m honoured to join two companies that strive to expand gender diversity in the tech space, and make a social impact for the greater good… let’s do this,”


With this investment, Priyanka joined the bandwagon of celebrities such as Ashton Kutcher, Leonardo DiCaprio, who have invested in tech start-ups too.

The investment has been done in order to change the tech industry’s gender disparity.

As a start-up investor in her first venture and Priyanka recently toured the San Francisco home of her new portfolio company which uses projects and group learning instead of more traditional courses, to teach software development, according to The New York Times.

Priyanka’s investment in Holberton is part of a USD 8.2 million round of funding for Holberton that closed in April. She will join the company’s board of advisers and will help in supporting Holberton’s mission to educate people from underprivileged upbringings.

 “I don’t want to just be one of those people who’s like, ‘Yeah, I want to be on the tech bandwagon — how are they making so much money?’ It’s not about that,” Priyanka was quoted as saying from the Hindustan Times.

However, the amount of the transaction is still unknown.

Her second investment is in Bumble, a dating and social media app founded by Whitney Wolfe Herd. Priyanka plans to help promote Bumble’s launch in India in the coming months.

Recently, the actress grabbed the eyeballs after her engagement to American singer Nick Jonas. The duo reportedly has been seen together exploring the scenic beauty of Rajasthan.

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