Authentic Brands Group already owns the rights to some of the world’s biggest entertainers, including Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley. Now, the New York-based brand manager has made a deal to acquire the images of a lot more household names.
On Monday, ABG acquired Iconic Images, a U.K.-based photo house that has the rights to millions of images in fashion, rock ‘n roll, film, politics, royalty and pop culture. Terms of the deal were not disclosed but the acquisition will be the first within a Fine Arts vertical ABG is creating within its Entertainment division.
Through this acquisition, ABG will own and manage the rights to the entire Iconic Images photography archive, including fine art prints from acclaimed photographers Ed Caraeff, Eva Sereny, Ted Williams and Terry O’Neill, as well as photos of musical icons and Hollywood stars such as The Rolling Stones, Frank Sinatra, Audrey Hepburn, Brigitte Bardot, Kate Moss and others. These images will be used on a variety of licensed merchandise, as well as at events, exhibitions and endorsement deals.
“ABG is already home to the most iconic names in entertainment including Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe and Muhammad Ali. Iconic Images’ unparalleled archive is a natural fit for ABG’s portfolio,” said Marc Rosen, president, entertainment for ABG. “We continue to explore new and innovative ways to preserve and monetize the most memorable moments and icons in modern pop culture. We are thrilled to establish Fine Arts as ABG’s newest vertical with the acquisition of Iconic Images and excited to continue investing in art and photography.”
Robin Morgan, founder of Iconic Images, added: “ABG’s expertise in investing in valuable IP, storytelling and marketing is what makes the acquisition of Iconic Images an organic fit. ABG has a proven ability in unique storytelling and marketing, and I am thrilled to join forces with this esteemed organization.”
Morgan, a one-time editor of the Sunday Times of London who created Iconic Images seven years ago, will remain with the company under ABG.