Interest in Marilyn Monroe at All Time High

NEW YORK, Feb. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Authentic Brands Group and the Estate of Marilyn Monroe continue to consolidate the Marilyn Monroe brand, and actively seek high-end licensing agreements with some of the world's top-tier brands.

"For the first time in nearly fifty years, the Marilyn Monroe brand has been consolidated under one roof here at ABG," said Jamie Salter, CEO of Authentic Brands Group. "We are working tirelessly to reflect her A-list status by signing best-in-class partners all over the world."

Those partners currently include world famous design houses like Dolce & Gabbana, Dior and GERARD DAREL. "Marilyn Monroe's timeless elegance is ingrained in our culture, and we are actively pursuing partners that exude Monroe's sophistication and grace," said Nick Woodhouse, CMO of Authentic Brands Group.

Authentic Brands Group acquired the name and likeness of Marilyn Monroe in 2010 in partnership with NECA, which includes long-term deals that allow ABG to license the archives of legendary photographers Bruno Bernard, Milton Greene and Tom Kelley. The landmark deal marks the first time in almost 50 years that both her estate assets and photo assets have been consolidated to one "halo" organization.

While 2011 saw a rejuvenation of the Marilyn Monroe brand, including a CGI appearance by Monroe in Dior's perfume campaign, 2012 may prove to be even bigger. On the immediate horizon, the NBC show Smash, which premieres February 6 at 10 p.m. ET, follows an all-star cast as they attempt to create a musical based on the life of Marilyn Monroe. The show is executive-produced by Steven Spielberg, Theresa Rebeck, David Marshall Grant, Darryl Frank, Justin Falvey, Craig Zadan, Neil Meron, Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman and stars Debra Messing, Anjelica Huston, Katharine McPhee, Jack Davenport, Christian Borle, Megan Hilty, Raza Jaffrey, Brian d'Arcy James and Jaime Cepero.

Fans can follow the Estate of Marilyn Monroe on Twitter at @MarilynMonroe and like Marilyn Monroe on Facebook. For the latest on everything Marilyn, fans can also visit MarilynMonroe.com.

For more information: Adam Kronengold [email protected] 212.760.2410


For licensing inquiries: Jordan Goodman [email protected]
 212.760.2410

About Authentic Brands Group LLC
Authentic Brands Group, in partnership with Leonard Green & Partners, is an intellectual property corporation with a mandate to acquire, manage and build long-term value in prominent consumer brands. With offices in New York and Toronto, ABG's mission is to acquire and manage iconic consumer brands in apparel, sporting goods, action sports, home, celebrity, entertainment and consumer electronics and enhance brand equity through best-in-class brand licensee and direct-to-retail partnerships. ABG holds Marilyn Monroe, TapouT, SilverStar Casting Company, Iron Star, Hitman Fight Gear and Sinister Brand.
www.authenticbrandsgroup.com

About NECA
NECA, Inc. is a recognized worldwide leader in the design, manufacturing and marketing of fine collectible products.
www.necaonline.com

SOURCE Authentic Brands Group