Music merchandiser Bravado, part of the Universal Music Group, has acquired the merchandising rights to the Beatles, License! Global has learned exclusively.

Live Nation Merchandise has handled the Beatles since 1996, when it was Sony Signature then Signature under the leadership of music licensing pioneer Del Furano.

Read the 2009 License Global story about Live Nation and the Beatles.

The Universal Music Group currently represents the rights to the Beatles music catalog.

Bravado's portfolio includes The Rolling Stones, Lady Gaga, Michael Jackson, Justin Bieber, Paul McCartney, Eminem, Kanye West, Metallica, Katy Perry, Nicki Minaj, Guns ‘N Roses, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Green Day, Black Sabbath and The Killers.

Live Nation Merchandise represents various major artists including KISS, AC/DC, Aerosmith, Coldplay, Led Zeppelin, Lynyrd Skinner, Madonna, Maroon 5, Ozzy Osbourne, Pink Floyd, The Wall, Sex Pistols, Shakira, The Who and U2.

According to License! Global's annual Top Licensing Agents Report, Live Nation generated an estimated $410 million in retail sales; Bravado, $400 million.