SONY MUSIC SECURES MICHAEL MERCH

Sony Music U.K. has signed a global deal with the George Michael estate for the rights to design and distribute exclusive merchandise. Products will be developed by SMUK's full-service merch arm, Kontraband.

The deal expands on the estate’s existing partnership with Sony Music U.K. and marks the first exclusive merch deal with the George Michael brand since 2011. Products developed through the partnership will include limited-edition prints and figurines, flasks, stationery and apparel, plus special items by guest fashion designers.

The George Michael estate issued a statement that it is creating with Kontraband a “collection that creatively sets the bar and offers George’s loyal and new fans a unique range of merchandise he would be proud of.” Nicola Tuer, COO of Sony Music U.K. & Ireland, added that the partnership is an opportunity to remind fans of Michael's "cultural influence, boundless creativity and what a truly phenomenal artist he was."

Sony U.K. acquired British merch company Kontraband in 2019. It has since collaborated on merchandise partnerships with such artists as Nick Cave, Declan McKenna, Kylie Minogue and Nothing but Thieves.