Brands
Disney tops licensing table with $62 billion haul in 2024
MUMBAI: The world’s biggest brand owners have turned emotional connections into cold, hard cash. Disney sits atop a licensing empire worth $62 billion in retail sales, nearly doubling the revenue of its closest competitor as the global licensing market surged to over $307 billion in 2024—a tidy $26.7 billion increase from the previous year.
License Global’s annual rankings reveal an industry that thrives on nostalgia, fandom and the human need to belong. While economic uncertainty grips consumers elsewhere, licensed products—from Pokemon pyjamas to Marvel mugs—continue their relentless march through shopping baskets worldwide.
The top ten licensors generated $208bn in retail sales during 2024, up from $192 billion in 2023. Over the past five years, these corporate titans have collectively raked in more than $1 trillion, proving that emotional attachment trumps rational spending when wallets tighten.
Disney’s dominance reflects the mouse house’s unrivalled stable of beloved characters spanning generations. But the chasing pack tells a different story. Authentic Brands Group, which corrals sports and lifestyle brands including David Beckham and Champion, claimed second place with $32bn. People Inc (formerly Dotdash Meredith) rounded out the podium with $26.7 billion, followed by NBCUniversal at $17 billion.
The full top ten includes Hasbro ($16.1 billion), Warner Bros Discovery ($15 billion), The Pokemon Co International ($12 billion), Bluestar Alliance ($10 billion), Mattel ($8.8 billion) and Japan’s kawaii kingpin Sanrio ($8.4 billion).
“What is remarkable about this year’s report is how it demonstrates the resilience of emotional connections in consumer decision-making,” says License Global content director Ben Roberts. Even as economic pressures mount, consumers prioritise brands that matter to them personally, creating loyalty that transcends market forces.
The data suggests a generational handover is brewing. Millennials currently lead licensed product purchasing at 28 per cent, but Generation Z is expected to seize the crown in 2025-26, while Generation Alpha grows to 22 per cent relevance. Fashion dominates growth categories, with 70 per cent of brand owners highlighting apparel as a key opportunity, followed by toys and games (54 per cent) and food and beverage (52 per cent).
The industry’s expanding reach is evident in its newcomers. First-time entrants include Lego, Legendary Entertainment and Gordon Brothers, reflecting licensing’s broadening appeal as brands seek deeper consumer relationships.
As digital platforms reshape commerce, successful licensors are building integrated experiences across physical, digital and hybrid channels. Brands with agile strategies on Roblox, TikTok and social commerce platforms are positioning themselves to lead the next wave of consumer engagement.
The licensing juggernaut shows no signs of slowing. In an era where consumers crave authentic connections, brands that can tap into personal identity and shared experiences have found the ultimate recession-proof formula.
Brands
Yaap Digital acquires 60.2 per cent stake in Gozoop in over Rs 150 crore deal
Strategic tie-up keeps Gozoop independent while building scaled ad ecosystem
MUMBAI: Yaap Digital Ltd has acquired a 60.20 per cent stake in Gozoop Online Pvt Ltd, marking a significant consolidation move in India’s independent advertising landscape.
The acquisition, executed through a share purchase cum shareholders’ agreement, forms the first tranche of a broader deal to acquire 100 per cent of Gozoop in phases. The initial stake was picked up for Rs 36.96 crore, giving Yaap majority control and making Gozoop its subsidiary.
Overall, the transaction is valued at over Rs 150 crore, with additional components including a Rs 7.66 crore share swap expected to close within 90 days. Payments related to excess net working capital are slated for completion by July 2026.
Despite the ownership change, Gozoop will continue to operate as an independent brand, retaining its leadership, identity and culture. The focus, both companies say, is on collaboration rather than consolidation.
Founded nearly two decades ago, Gozoop has built a reputation for its people-first approach and long-tenured leadership team, a rarity in an industry often shaped by global network buyouts. Yaap, on the other hand, brings scale and a tech-led marketing ecosystem spanning content, data and performance solutions.
Together, the companies aim to create an integrated network that blends creativity, media, data and technology, offering clients both agility and scale. The partnership also signals a broader ambition to position Indian agencies as global contenders rather than local participants.
With the deal underway in phases, the coming months will be key in shaping how this alliance translates into a unified yet flexible advertising powerhouse.
