United Media Licensing Acquired by Iconix

United Features Syndicate and E.W. Scripps have sold the United Media Licensing business to Iconix Brand Group for $175 million. The sale includes ownership to the Peanuts brand (in partnership with the Schulz family), which—along with the Dilbert and Fancy Nancy properties—gives Iconix its first character brands. (Previously, the company had primarily been known for fashion brands such as Candie’s and Joe Boxer).

“Owning the Peanuts business moves Iconix well beyond fashion into a true global brand management entity with a wide variety of agreements that range from theme parks to media to financial institutions,” stated Neil Cole, chairman and CEO of Iconix Brand Group. “It also extends our international platform with Peanuts licensed in more than 40 countries and approximately two-thirds of its revenue coming from outside of the U.S.”

E.W. Scripps will continue to own United Media’s syndication business, pending the sale. The deal is expected to close by the end of the second quarter. Visit www.iconixbrand.com.