Stewart to remain part of the company she founded, joins Sequential board.

Sequential Brands Group has finalized its acquisition of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia for $6.15 per share, in a combination of cash and stock.

In what Sequential calls a "transformative merger," MSLO will add a new vertical to the company's platform that is expected to generate approximately $4 billion in annual global retail sales from a combined portfolio of consumer brands in the home, fashion, lifestyle and active categories.

“This is an extremely exciting time for Sequential. With the closing behind us, we are now fully focused on integrating the business and activating multiple new growth opportunities," says Yehuda Shmidman, chief executive officer, Sequential. "On a combined basis, our platform is now generating approximately $4 billion in global retail sales, and we believe, perfectly positioned to achieve our newly published three-year plan of $8 billion in global retail sales and $250 million in revenue by the fall of 2018.”

Shmidman will be a featured speaker at the inaugural NYC Licensing Summit next March. Click here for more details and to take advantage of Early Bird registration prices.

MSLO founder Martha Stewart will continue to serve as chief creative officer of the brand and has become a significant shareholder in Sequential and a member of the company's board of directors.

"I’m excited that Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia has merged into Sequential Brands Group," says Stewart. "Together, our combined scale, knowledge and resources will position us to expand both domestically and abroad. I am looking forward to this new chapter, and see a future focused on immediate growth and long-term success."

MSLO reaches approximately 100 million consumers each month and has a growing retail presence at leading retailers such as Macy’s, The Home Depot, PetSmart, Michaels and Staples. The merger also brings the Emeril Lagasse culinary brand, along with its food and cookware product lines, television and book publishing properties and legendary founder, to the Sequential portfolio.