Saban Takes Over Paul Frank Industries

LOS ANGELES: Saban Capital Group has acquired the lifestyle company Paul Frank Industries, which houses a design portfolio of more than 150 characters, led by the iconic monkey Julius.

Saban Brands, an affiliate of Saban Capital Group, will be responsible for the management of Paul Frank’s business strategy moving forward. Creative operations will remain at Paul Frank’s current headquarters in Costa Mesa, California. Saban Brands will support Paul Frank with content and media strategies that incorporate Paul Frank characters.

This marks the second acquisition in the $500 million fund for Saban Brands that was created to manage and license entertainment properties and consumer brands. The first was the Power Rangers franchise, announced in early May.

Ryan Heuser will continue to lead the company’s creative vision as the chief creative officer of Paul Frank Industries and will report directly to Elie Dekel, the president of Saban Brands. Mossimo Giannulli, one of the previous owners of Paul Frank Industries, will continue to advise and support the brand on a strategic level. John Oswald will be leaving the company.

“This acquisition ties into Saban’s strategy of building a portfolio of compelling global properties that touch consumers’ lives through strategic licensing partnerships,” stated Dekel.

“The Paul Frank team is looking forward to working with Saban Brands to expand the company’s opportunities and take it to new heights,” said Ryan Heuser of Paul Frank Industries. “This endeavor will be the beginning of a new era for Julius and all his friends, who will be able to reach an even broader audience.”