Money world

Bob Marley’s family and Hilco Consumer Capital, a private equity firm that invests in retail brands, are preparing a major push to license the late reggae legend’s likeness, trademarks and themes for apparel, food and even video games, the Wall Street Journal said.

Hilco, which has compiled a stable of retail brands including Halston and Ellen Tracy, this month invested some $20 million for half of House of Marley LLC, a joint venture with the Marley family, the paper said, citing people familiar with the matter.

The House of Marley will sell the rights to produce products under the brands Bob Marley, Tuff Gong, Catch A Fire and One Love, the paper said.

The reggae singer’s name and likeness have been used on unauthorized merchandise since his death in 1981 banks issue payday loans. The first step for the Marley venture would be to combat companies that use the Marley name without permission, the report said, citing

the chief executive of Hilco Consumer Capital, James Salter.

Hilco is separately negotiating to acquire rights to instant-film creator Polaroid’s trademarks and to Fortunoff, a well-known New York jewelry and silverware retailer, the paper said, citing its source.

Hilco and the Marley family could not be immediately reached for comment by Reuters.

(Reporting by Ajay Kamalakaran in Bangalore; Editing by Valerie Lee)

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