Bhajji all set to spin his name ‘Harbhajan Singh’ in Licensing & Merchandising

Company Brief

New Delhi, April 15, 2009

Get ready to have a bite at Bhajji Da Dhaba, to carry Harbhajan Singh’s signature line of apparels and accessories, to play with his sports equipments, to learn the art of spin bowling and hard hitting batting at his academies, to taste the newest health and energy drink, to participate in ‘Crazy for Bhajji’ contest as Harbhajan Singh – the star cricketer of Indian team, announces his first licensing agreement with License India - India’s first complete licensing solution provider (a division of Franchise India Holdings Limited), for licensing of the brand name ‘Harbhajan Singh’.

As per the agreement License India will identify the right opportunities for licensed merchandise to leverage the brand equity of Harbhajan Singh besides setting up a chain of restaurants under the name of ‘Bhajji Da Dhaba’.

Especially present at the occasion Padmashri Harbhajan Singh explains, “Setting up a restaurant has been a part of my plans for years; hence ‘Bhajji Da Dhaba’ would be the best fit for my first licensing deal. I’m also eager to launch my first signature product in a few months and look forward to develop additional sports equipments and academies in the coming years.”

“Harbhajan Singh is the name which is associated with crores of people, I found licensing a better opportunity to forward my message to the fans much faster & further than otherwise”, adds Bhajji.

Also present on the occasion, Mr Gaurav Marya, President, License India disclosed, “Despite economic, retail and consumer uncertainty worldwide, licensing and merchandising—which historically has weathered other downturns, albeit less serious ones—remains a viable and resilient industry that will continue to grow and expand through 2010 and beyond”.

“License India could not have any other best alternative than Harbhajan Singh as he is the man who is loved by crores of people who really want to be linked with him. Personality Licensing is a very upcoming business domain in India and is fast gaining acceptability which is expected to reach to its maximum level in the coming years”, elaborates Mr Marya.

The total worldwide retail sales of licensed merchandise reached $191.7 billion, representing an increase of $4.3 billion in 2007 versus 2006.

According to Ms Anupama Bindra, Business Head, License India, “A growing number of celebrities & brand owners are recognizing the benefits of licensing as a strategic marketing tool, which can effectively enhance brand awareness, reach new customers, reinforce brand’s image, expand distribution and generate revenue. Going by the trend we can forecast an increasing number of brands and celebrities to enter the licensing space”.

Providing details of the contest, Ms Bindra informs, “License India is providing an opportunity to Bhajji’s fans to participate in ‘Crazy for Bhajji Contest’ and win Harbhan Singh’s merchandise and gift packs. All they have to do is logon to licenseindia.com and answer 10 questions relating to Bhajji”.

Licensing of brands, designs, characters, celebrity names and photographs, sporting league logos, event names etc is gaining popularity in India where these are being used in various products like jewelry, apparel, lifestyle accessories, toys, gifts, games etc. This has created immense interest among Indian brands, manufactures, retailers, designers, lawyers, financial consultant and licensing agents.

“At License India this is our second tie-up with a famous personality after Mr Shiv Khera and we are looking forward for more such associations in future”, adds Ms Bindra.

The potential for India to be benefited from the Licensing industry is huge. The emergence of modern and more organized retail in India, estimated at US$ 200 billion, has been projected to grow at 5% per annum and has set the pace for new collaborations between International Licensing companies and Indian business houses. Sports licensing has been transformed from the relatively small and fragmented industry it once was and has evolved into a highly sophisticated, $13 billion-plus industry.

For further information, please contact:

Fourth Estate

Parul Jain

9899880005