A new Beatles licensing and merchandise deal will put Universal Music Group in charge of a broad range of products and commercial partnerships tied to the band. The worldwide exclusive agreement with Apple Corps covers physical and digital merchandise, licensing and e-commerce.
That gives Universal Music Group an extensive role in managing how Beatles-branded products reach fans, just as several large projects prepare to introduce John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr to yet another generation. Apparently, the Beatles business still has room to grow.
Lucian Grainge, chairman and chief executive of Universal Music Group, called the group “one of the most iconic and enduring cultural brands of all time.” He said the company would work to protect and expand the band’s legacy through fan experiences that remain faithful to its music and history.
Grainge also described the agreement as a continuation of relationships developed over the past 14 years, adding that building on them was among the highlights of his career as a lifelong Beatles fan.
How does the deal connect to the four Beatles films?
The agreement arrives before The Beatles – A Four Film Cinematic Event, director Sam Mendes’ ambitious set of four biographical films. Each movie will focus on the group from the perspective of a different member, because one Beatles biopic was evidently considered too restrained.
