'47 Secures Major League Baseball International License
- Brand poised for significant international growth; expands global resources BOSTON, Dec. 1, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- '47, a privately held, premium sports lifestyle brand, has reached a licensing agreement with Major League Baseball International (MLBI), effective immediately. The partnership gives '47 rights to distribute and sell branded headwear, apparel and accessories in Europe, the Middle East, South Africa and Asia. '47 has been a partner of Major League Baseball (MLB) for decades and this agreement greatly expands international licensing rights allowing for increased exposure for the brand. "Major League Baseball, continues to grow its position as a leader in international sports and we look forward to contributing to that growth story by delivering best-in-class sports apparel, headwear and accessories to fans in the global marketplace," said '47 co-owner Steven D'Angelo. "This agreement deepens our relationship with MLB – a long standing, valued partner." "The founding story of '47 and the entrepreneurial D'Angelo brothers is itself an inspiring expression of baseball's knack for uniting people the world over," said Chris Park, Senior Vice President of Growth, Strategy & International, Major League Baseball. As a trusted and longstanding partner of MLB, '47 is particularly well-suited to carry forward and enrich MLB's mission of serving diverse international communities." To support this international business, '47 is adding numerous resources to its global team. Key personnel will be added to the leadership team in '47's European Headquarters, located in London, U.K. The brand is actively expanding distribution in the Middle East, South Africa and Asia. Additionally, '47 offices and showrooms recently opened in Korea and Japan. '47 creates premium sports lifestyle apparel and headwear made from only the highest-quality fabrics sourced from around the world. Originators of the relaxed and curve headwear styling, '47's brand DNA is steeped in baseball heritage. The brand ethos 'LET YOUR YOU OUT' speaks to the diverse product offerings that allow consumers to express their individuality. This agreement will allow '47 to extend that message far and wide in new territories around the world with MLB product. About '47 '47 is a privately held sports lifestyle brand founded in Boston, MA, by twin brothers, Arthur and Henry D'Angelo in 1947. The D'Angelos were entrepreneurial pioneers who were quick to see the future of sports licensing by selling pennants and other sports memorabilia on the streets around Fenway Park. Through a combination of hard work, sound instincts and incredible passion, the brothers were able to grow their business from a single street cart to a premier sports lifestyle brand that uniquely melds sport and style. Previously known as Twins Enterprises, '47 is currently managed by Arthur's four sons, Bobby, David, Mark, and Steven. '47 is a proud partner of Major League Baseball, the National Football League, the National Hockey League, the National Basketball Association and over 900 collegiate programs. '47 employs over 250 corporate and retail associates around the world and is headquartered in Boston and Westwood, MA. For more information, please visit www.47brand.com. About Major League BaseballMajor League Baseball (MLB) is the oldest professional sports league in the United States and consists of 30 member clubs in the U.S. and Canada, representing the highest level of professional baseball. MLB is the best-attended sport in North America, and the last decade includes all 10 of the best-attended seasons in MLB history, with each regular season eclipsing the 73 million mark. Now led by Commissioner Robert D. Manfred, Jr., MLB currently features record levels of labor peace, competitive balance and industry revenues, as well as the most comprehensive drug-testing program in American professional sports. MLB remains committed to making an impact in the communities of the U.S., Canada and throughout the world, perpetuating the sport's larger role in society and permeating every facet of baseball's business, marketing and community relations endeavors. MLB is supported in its mission through presences in Beijing, London, New York, Santo Domingo, Sydney and Tokyo. With games broadcast in more than 200 countries and in 20 languages, and a robust roster of marketing partners and licensees across the world, MLB has become a truly global game. For more information on Major League Baseball, visit www.mlb.com. ContactKatie Kulczyk, TURNER+1 (212) 889.1700 / [email protected]