LOS ANGELES, CA, Aug 21 (MARKET WIRE) --
IMG Licensing, a division of global sports and entertainment company IMG,
today announced it has been selected as the exclusive North American
consumer product and brand licensor for the internationally known,
multi-billion dollar "Chicken Soup for the Soul" brand.
Originally launched in 1993, "Chicken Soup for the Soul" began as a series
of books featuring a collection of short, inspirational stories and
motivational essays compiled by well-known speakers Jack Canfield and Mark
Victor Hansen.
In 15 years, the franchise has made international publishing history with
more than 112 million books sold and almost 200 different titles currently
in print. The books have been translated into more than 40 languages. In
2007, USA Today named "Chicken Soup for the Soul" one of the top five most
memorable and impactful books in the last quarter century. In 2008,
"Chicken Soup for the Soul" became the best-selling trade paperback series
in the history of publishing.
In making the announcement, IMG's Executive Vice President and Co-Managing
Director, Worldwide Licensing, Tim Rothwell, said, "IMG Licensing is proud
to work with a brand that continues to have such a profound impact on so
many people around the world. This high-profile and treasured brand is
uniquely positioned for further marketplace expansion, and we look forward
to developing a wide-range of high quality, eco-friendly, compelling
lifestyle and consumer products that complement 'Chicken Soup's' core
values of hope, inspiration, compassion and love."
"We are pleased to be associated with IMG, a first-class organization.
'Chicken Soup for the Soul' is one of the world's most famous brands and
we know IMG will be the key to expanding our licensing division," said
Robert Jacobs, President and Chief Operating Officer for Chicken Soup for
the Soul Publishing, LLC. "We plan to have our licensees cross-promote
our branded products to add to the tens of millions of targeted
impressions our brand receives each month."
The "Chicken Soup for the Soul" trademark currently appears on a variety
of merchandise with national distribution. Current licensees include:
American Greeting Cards, Diamond Pet Food, MasterPiece Puzzles, FTD
flowers and others.
About 'Chicken Soup for the Soul'
Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing, LLC publishes the famous "Chicken
Soup for the Soul" book series which is distributed through Simon and
Schuster, Inc. Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing licenses the right to
use its trademark to high quality licensees through IMG, the world's
premier licensing agent. The "Chicken Soup for the Soul" series has sold
over 112 million copies, with titles translated in over 40 languages. In
2007, USA Today named "Chicken Soup for the Soul" one of the five most
memorable and impactful books in the last quarter century. The company is
currently implementing a plan to expand the brand into all media. It is
working with TV networks on several TV shows and is developing a major
Internet presence dedicated to life improvement, emotional support and
inspiration.
For more information visit: www.chickensoup.com
About IMG Sports & Entertainment
Operating in 30 countries, IMG Sports & Entertainment's diverse businesses
include: product and brand licensing; consulting services; event ownership
and management; fashion events and models representation; golf course
design; and client representation in golf, tennis, broadcasting, speakers,
European football, rugby, cricket, motor sports, coaching, Olympic and
action sports. IMG Academies are the world's largest, multi-sport training
and educational facilities, delivering world-class training experiences to
more than 12,000 junior, collegiate, adult, and professional athletes each
year.
More information about IMG is available at www.imgworld.com.
Contact:
Brian Weiss
IMG
(212) 774-6782
Email Contact
Tolly Moseley
Chicken Soup for the Soul / Phenix & Phenix Literary Publicity
(512) 478-2028 ext. 213
Email Contact
Copyright 2008, Market Wire, All rights reserved.
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