Iconix Brand Group announced it has acquired the worldwide master license for the Ed Hardy brand from Nervous Tattoo. Iconix already had a small investment in the brand through its joint venture with Don Ed Hardy.
Iconix paid $55 million plus a $7 million earn-out for this acquisition. As part of the transaction, Nervous Tattoo will pre-pay $7 million in royalties and continue as a licensee for Ed Hardy t-shirts, hats and hoodies.
Iconix will gain control of the licensing and marketing, and increase its total ownership stake in the Ed Hardy brand to 85 percent.