The National Geographic Society announced today that it is entering into a longer and broader partnership with IMG to license the National Geographic brand in consumer products on a global basis.
IMG has represented the National Geographic brand in the luggage and travel bag categories outside North America since 2013. The new multiyear agreement expands this relationship across all principal product categories worldwide, with the exception of toys and games.
“National Geographic consistently ranks as one of the world’s most trusted and recognized brands, and we believe that represents a huge value proposition for our partners,” said Declan Moore, chief media officer for National Geographic. “IMG has helped us develop relationships that promise to grow our brand and expand to new markets. We are excited to continue to build our consumer product portfolio as we extend our relationship with IMG to include additional product categories such as footwear, eyewear, apparel and food and beverage.”
Bruno Maglione, WME | IMG executive vice president and president of Licensing for IMG, said: “We are very grateful for the confidence placed in us and are incredibly pleased to be part of, and contributing to, National Geographic’s new plans and organization. It is difficult to think of a brand as globally powerful and meaningful as National Geographic, and I am confident consumers will embrace products that deliver on the many values it stands for.”
Net proceeds from National Geographic’s licensed products support the Society’s nonprofit work in exploration, conservation, research and education.
About the National Geographic Society
National Geographic is a global nonprofit membership organization driven by a passionate belief in the power of science, exploration and storytelling to change the world. It funds hundreds of research and conservation projects around the globe each year. With the support of its members and donors, the Society works to inspire, illuminate and teach through scientific expeditions, award-winning journalism, education initiatives and more. For more information, visit www.nationalgeographic.com and find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+, YouTube, LinkedIn and Pinterest.
About IMG
IMG is a global leader in sports, events, media and fashion, operating in more than 25 countries. The company represents and manages some of the world’s greatest sports figures and fashion icons; stages thousands of live events and branded entertainment experiences annually; and is the world’s largest independent producer and distributor of sports media. IMG also specializes in sports training; league development; and marketing, media and licensing for brands, sports organizations and collegiate institutions. In 2014, IMG was acquired by WME, the world’s leading entertainment agency, to form WME | IMG.