Merchandising : IMG Worldwide acquires sporting brands protection company JPatton

Sports, fashion and media company IMG Worldwide has acquired U.S. brand protection specialist JPatton, the latest company announced on the 31/07/2013.

JPatton is a provider of brand protection and brand management solutions specializing in patented holographic security technologies and digital asset management. The company works with domestic and international partners in various industries including brand licensing, sports marketing, software, government agencies, manufacturing, and not-for-profit organizations. Its main clients are U.S. video games publisher EA Sports, German car manufacturer Volkswagen, and various leagues and sporting events organizers like the PGA Tour (golf).

The company, which is based in Atlanta, GA, will continue to operate as JPatton and will become a business unit under IMG’s Sports and Entertainment division. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.

• The International Chamber of Commerce, which is established in Paris, estimates that the value of counterfeit goods globally will exceed $1,700 billion (€1,300 billion) by 2015.