Global Brands sets up shop in SA for 2010

Mark Matheny, CEO and co-chairman of GBG, highlights the importance of the South African office within company’s network: “As the host country for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, South Africa is a key market for Global Brands and the country’s licensing program will be a major component of Global Brand’s worldwide licensing activities for the event.

Merchandising programme

“Global Brands will work with best-in-class South African licensees and retailers across an extensive range of product categories to deliver a world-class merchandising programme that will be accessible to a wide cross-section of South African consumers.”

GBG is an internationally recognised brand management and licensing company. It manages brands by building sustainable equity and creating new branding opportunities by using an innovative yet commercial approach.

Through its international network of offices, GBG is able to maximise revenue potential by creating worldwide manufacturing, retail and promotional partnerships. The business focuses on the core sectors of product licensing, retail licensing and food and beverage; currently GBG’ growing portfolio of intellectual properties not only includes the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), but also the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) Tour, Disney, and Warner Bros.

Managed by Nicholas Bloom

Located in Weirda Valley in Sandton, Global Brands Group (South Africa) is managed by Nicholas Bloom. Bloom began his career in advertising where he worked at TBWA\Hunt\Lascaris in Johannesburg, JWT in London and Saatchi & Saatchi in Cape Town on international brands such as Nando’s Chickenland, Boots the Chemists and Guinness.

After attaining his Masters degree in Integrated Marketing Communications at Northwestern University in the United States, Bloom joined licensing agency The Beanstalk Group in New York where he developed and managed licensing programs for Harley-Davidson, Stanley Tools, Jim Beam and the New York 2012 Olympic Bid.

Bloom joined GBG in October 2006 and can be contacted at for further information.

With its corporate headquarters located in Singapore, the Group has a network of 14 offices around the world in major cities such as London, Dubai, Los Angeles, Sydney, Tokyo, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Manila, Jakarta, Buenos Aires, Kuala Lumpur, with more offices due to open over the next few years. Its worldwide reach combined with local implementation ensures that GBG maximises brand potential across a broad, relevant consumer base.

For more information, go to www.globalbrandsgroup.com.