License! Global Names Top 125

License! Global has published its annual list of the Top 125 Global Licensors. This exclusive ranking analyzes the world's largest brands and licensing companies by total revenue of licensed products sold at retail.

Disney Consumer Products once again ranks as the number one global licensor reporting $28.6 billion in retail sales of licensed merchandise worldwide in 2010, up from $27.2 billion in 2009. DCP's Toy Story franchise, influenced by box office success and merchandise demand for Toy Story 3, was the most dominant property of the year at retail generating $2.4 billion in retail sales.

DCP's retail sales do not include Marvel Entertainment, a wholly owned subsidiary of Walt Disney Company, reported separately. Marvel generated worldwide retail sales of licensed merchandise for 2010 of $5.6 billion, up from $4.9 billion in 2009, earning the licensor the sixth spot in the annual ranking. Marvel has two major theatrical releases and merchandising programs this summer blockbuster season for Thor and Captain America with two more scheduled for next year – The Avengers and The Amazing Spider-Man.

Iconix Brand Group ranked second with $12 billion in retail sales in 2010, up from $9 billion in 2009 while Phillips-Van Heusen, ranked third, reported $8.7 billion in retail sales.

Mattel, ranked fourth, reported $7 billion in retail sales of licensed merchandise for its portfolio of iconic brands that include Barbie, Hot Wheels and new tween/teen property Monster High.

Ranked fifth, Warner Bros. Consumer Products reported $6 billion in retail sales based on its Harry Potter franchise for which the last feature film will hit theaters in July, Looney Tunes, including a new TV series, plus a major commitment to the DC superheroes with Green Lantern hitting theatres in June and Batman planned for next year.

"The continued growth of major global licensors reinforces how brand extensions–whether traditional merchandise, live events or co-branded partnerships–are an increasingly important business at retail and hugely popular among consumers worldwide," says Tony Lisanti, editor-in-chief of License! Global.

The full License! Global Top 125 Global Licensors list can be found at: http://digital.licensemag.com/nxtbooks/advanstar/license0511/

Many of the companies from the Top 125 will be showcasing their brands during the Licensing International Expo, being held June 14-16 at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. For more information, visit http://www.licensingexpo.com/