WASHINGTON (Feb. 11, 2013)—National Geographic, one of the world’s largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations, has selected IMG Licensing, a division of IMG Worldwide, the global sports, fashion and media company, to represent the National Geographic brand for licensed luggage and travel bags.
Under the terms of the multi-year licensing representation agreement, IMG will develop and enhance the international distribution of National Geographic-branded bags, backpacks and luggage outside North America through strategic licensing partnerships.
In making the announcement, Bruno Maglione, executive vice president and global managing director, IMG Licensing, said: “When it comes to travel, adventure and exploration, it’s hard to think of a more powerful brand than National Geographic. The brand’s rich heritage as a pioneer in these areas positions it strongly to take advantage of the growing market for luggage and travel bags.”
Alison Middleton, senior vice president of International Licensing for National Geographic, added: “IMG’s worldwide infrastructure and broad licensing expertise in travel products make it a perfect partner for our long-term plans to expand the National Geographic brand in this category. IMG is a proven leader and innovator, with a dedicated team of regional professionals to work with us.”
IMG manages the licensing and brand extension for a number of lifestyle brands such as Wimbledon, Ferrari, ESPN, British Armed Forces, Volkswagen, Goodyear, The Ivy League and Rolling Stone. Key areas of interest for representation are sports brands, corporate, technical, consumer and FMCG brands, as well as fashion and lifestyle brands. More information is available at www.imglicensing.com.
About National Geographic
The National Geographic Society is one of the world’s largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in 1888 to “increase and diffuse geographic knowledge,” the Society’s mission is to inspire people to care about the planet. It reaches more than 450 million people worldwide each month through its official journal, National Geographic, and other magazines; National Geographic Channel; television documentaries; music; radio; films; books; DVDs; maps; exhibitions; live events; school publishing programs; interactive media; and merchandise. National Geographic has funded more than 10,000 scientific research, conservation and exploration projects and supports an education program promoting geographic literacy. For more information, visit www.nationalgeographic.com.
About IMG
IMG Worldwide is a global sports, fashion and media business, with nearly 3,000 employees operating in 30 countries around the globe. IMG’s areas of expertise are diverse and wide ranging: IMG College; IMG’s Joint Ventures in China, Brazil, India and Turkey; IMG Media; IMG Events and Federations; IMG Golf and IMG Tennis, IMG Fashion; IMG Models; IMG Art+Commerce; IMG Clients; IMG Academy; IMG Consulting; and IMG Licensing. More information is available at www.imgworld.com. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.