IMG to represent Billboard in Asia

IMG has been appointed as licensing representative by music media brand Billboard for consumers products in Asia. As per the agreement, IMG will develop a product-licensing portfolio across Japan, China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, and Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia and Singapore. Merchandise will include categories including apparel and accessories, bags and backpacks, headphone and tablet accessories, electronics and skateboards, among other products. Commenting on the announcement, Francisco Arenas, Senior Vice President, business development and licensing, Billboard and The Hollywood Reporter said, “Not only does this partnership align us with the largest licensing agency in the world, it now exposes Billboard’s content and branded product to its largest Asian audience yet.” “IMG’s global reach and local expertise will help us build upon our aggressive push into new markets,” he added. Miki Yamamoto, Senior Vice President, licensing, Asia at IMG, added, “We are very excited about growing the Billboard brand in Asia.Our licensing programme will draw on its youthful and fashionable image to develop products which resonate strongly with music fans. We have already held extremely productive discussions with local licensees and are confident we will hit the ground running.”