UBM, together with the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association (LIMA) and Alifish, the licensing and entertainment business unit of Alibaba, announce a strategic partnership to strengthen the Chinese licensing industry
UBM, organizers of the worlds’ largest licensing trade shows and publishers of the most widely-read trade publication; LIMA, the leading industry association for global licensing, and Alifish, will work together for online licensing match-making and trading to support the development of China’s brand, art and character licensing industry through online training, live events and education programmes. The three organisations will leverage their unique strengths to better service the licensing community.
“China’s licensing industry is the fastest growing licensing market in the world. We are excited to collaborate with LIMA and Alifish to facilitate business connections between licensors, agents, licensees and retailers in China,” says Jessica Blue, Senior Vice President, Licensing, UBM.
“I am confident this cooperative agreement between LIMA, UBM and Alifish will be a driving force for the continued rapid growth of the licensing business in China. It is a powerful convergence to have the world’s primary licensing trade organisation, the largest trade show organiser in the US and Asia, and the leading e-commerce platform in China come together,” said Charles Riotto, President of LIMA. “This alliance is sure to create significant business opportunities for both domestic companies and international properties, and better enable consumers to connect with and enjoy the trusted brands they love.”
“With our powerful e-commerce ecosystem, we are able to bring together key stakeholders – from consumers to retailers – to this collaboration. Working with industry leaders such as UBM and LIMA helps to extend our ecosystem to the benefit of all participants along the licensee value chain,” said Hong Ying, General Manager of Alifish, Alibaba Group’s Licensing and Entertainment Business Unit.
