Leading Global Brand Development & Licensing Company, United Trademark Group (UTG), Announces a strategic partnership and a $9 Million Strategic Investment in Xcel Brands
Xcel Brands (NASDAQ: XELB) has secured a $9 million strategic investment from United Trademark Group (UTG), establishing a significant partnership in brand development and licensing. UTG, specializing in mergers, acquisitions, brand strategy, and digital innovation, will collaborate with Xcel to enhance their social commerce and influencer-driven brand building initiatives.
The partnership aims to leverage UTG's global expertise in brand development, manufacturing, distribution, and retail operations alongside Xcel's strengths in live streaming and social commerce. Alex Wang, UTG's Co-Founder and Chairman, and Robert W. D'Loren, Xcel's Chairman and CEO, both emphasized the strategic alignment between the companies' visions for innovation and brand building in the global consumer sector.
The collaboration focuses on a social-first, creator-driven approach, utilizing digital communities and influencer partnerships. Consensus, a consumer products sector-focused investment bank, served as UTG's advisor for this transaction.
Xcel Brands (NASDAQ: XELB) ha ottenuto un investimento strategico di 9 milioni di dollari da United Trademark Group (UTG), consolidando una partnership significativa nello sviluppo e nella concessione di licenze di marchi. UTG, specializzata in fusioni, acquisizioni, strategie di brand e innovazione digitale, collaborerà con Xcel per potenziare le iniziative di social commerce e costruzione di brand guidate dagli influencer.
La partnership punta a sfruttare l'esperienza globale di UTG nello sviluppo del brand, produzione, distribuzione e operazioni retail, insieme ai punti di forza di Xcel nello streaming live e social commerce. Alex Wang, co-fondatore e presidente di UTG, e Robert W. D'Loren, presidente e CEO di Xcel, hanno entrambi sottolineato l’allineamento strategico tra le visioni delle due aziende in termini di innovazione e costruzione del brand nel settore consumer globale.
La collaborazione si concentra su un approccio social-first e guidato dai creator, utilizzando comunità digitali e partnership con influencer. Consensus, una banca d'investimento specializzata nel settore dei prodotti di consumo, ha agito come consulente di UTG per questa operazione.
Xcel Brands (NASDAQ: XELB) ha asegurado una inversión estratégica de 9 millones de dólares por parte de United Trademark Group (UTG), estableciendo una alianza importante en desarrollo y licenciamiento de marcas. UTG, especializada en fusiones, adquisiciones, estrategia de marca e innovación digital, colaborará con Xcel para potenciar sus iniciativas de comercio social y construcción de marca impulsadas por influencers.
La asociación busca aprovechar la experiencia global de UTG en desarrollo de marca, fabricación, distribución y operaciones minoristas junto con las fortalezas de Xcel en transmisión en vivo y comercio social. Alex Wang, cofundador y presidente de UTG, y Robert W. D'Loren, presidente y CEO de Xcel, destacaron la alineación estratégica entre las visiones de ambas compañías en innovación y construcción de marca en el sector global de consumo.
La colaboración se enfoca en un enfoque social-first impulsado por creadores, utilizando comunidades digitales y asociaciones con influencers. Consensus, un banco de inversión enfocado en el sector de productos de consumo, actuó como asesor de UTG para esta transacción.
Xcel Brands (NASDAQ: XELB)는 United Trademark Group(UTG)으로부터 900만 달러 규모의 전략적 투자를 확보하여 브랜드 개발 및 라이선싱 분야에서 중요한 파트너십을 구축했습니다. UTG는 합병, 인수, 브랜드 전략 및 디지털 혁신을 전문으로 하며, Xcel과 협력하여 소셜 커머스 및 인플루언서 중심 브랜드 구축 활동을 강화할 예정입니다.
이번 파트너십은 브랜드 개발, 제조, 유통 및 소매 운영에 대한 UTG의 글로벌 전문성과 Xcel의 라이브 스트리밍 및 소셜 커머스 강점을 결합하는 것을 목표로 합니다. UTG의 공동 창립자 겸 회장인 Alex Wang과 Xcel의 회장 겸 CEO인 Robert W. D'Loren은 글로벌 소비자 부문에서 혁신과 브랜드 구축에 대한 양사 비전의 전략적 일치를 강조했습니다.
이번 협력은 디지털 커뮤니티와 인플루언서 파트너십을 활용한 소셜 퍼스트, 크리에이터 주도 접근법에 중점을 둡니다. 소비재 분야에 특화된 투자은행인 Consensus가 UTG의 자문을 맡았습니다.
Xcel Brands (NASDAQ : XELB) a obtenu un investissement stratégique de 9 millions de dollars de United Trademark Group (UTG), établissant un partenariat important dans le développement et la licence de marques. UTG, spécialisée dans les fusions, acquisitions, stratégies de marque et innovation digitale, collaborera avec Xcel pour renforcer leurs initiatives de commerce social et de construction de marque axées sur les influenceurs.
Ce partenariat vise à tirer parti de l’expertise mondiale d’UTG en développement de marque, fabrication, distribution et opérations de détail, combinée aux points forts de Xcel dans le streaming en direct et le commerce social. Alex Wang, cofondateur et président d’UTG, et Robert W. D'Loren, président et CEO de Xcel, ont tous deux souligné l’alignement stratégique des visions des deux entreprises en matière d’innovation et de construction de marque dans le secteur mondial de la consommation.
La collaboration se concentre sur une approche social-first, portée par les créateurs, en utilisant les communautés digitales et les partenariats avec les influenceurs. Consensus, une banque d’investissement spécialisée dans le secteur des produits de consommation, a agi en tant que conseiller d’UTG pour cette transaction.
Xcel Brands (NASDAQ: XELB) hat eine strategische Investition von 9 Millionen US-Dollar von United Trademark Group (UTG) erhalten und damit eine bedeutende Partnerschaft im Bereich Markenentwicklung und Lizenzierung etabliert. UTG, spezialisiert auf Fusionen, Übernahmen, Markenstrategie und digitale Innovation, wird mit Xcel zusammenarbeiten, um deren Initiativen im Social Commerce und markenbildenden Influencer-Marketing zu stärken.
Die Partnerschaft zielt darauf ab, UTGs globale Expertise in Markenentwicklung, Herstellung, Vertrieb und Einzelhandelsoperationen mit den Stärken von Xcel im Live-Streaming und Social Commerce zu verbinden. Alex Wang, Mitbegründer und Vorsitzender von UTG, und Robert W. D'Loren, Vorsitzender und CEO von Xcel, betonten beide die strategische Ausrichtung der Unternehmensvisionen hinsichtlich Innovation und Markenaufbau im globalen Konsumgütersektor.
Die Zusammenarbeit konzentriert sich auf einen Social-First-, Creator-getriebenen Ansatz unter Nutzung digitaler Communities und Influencer-Partnerschaften. Consensus, eine auf den Konsumgütersektor spezialisierte Investmentbank, fungierte als Berater von UTG bei dieser Transaktion.
- Secured $9 million strategic investment from UTG
- Partnership with global leader in brand development and licensing
- Access to UTG's infrastructure and operational expertise in design, manufacturing, and distribution
- Enhanced capabilities in social commerce and digital innovation
- None.
Insights
UTG's $9M investment in Xcel Brands represents a transformative capital infusion nearly 160% of Xcel's current market value.
This announcement represents a significant financial development for Xcel Brands. The
The strategic partnership brings together complementary strengths that could create meaningful synergies. Xcel's expertise in influencer-driven brands through live streaming and social commerce pairs well with UTG's infrastructure and operational capabilities across design, manufacturing, distribution, and retail channels. Both organizations appear aligned in their "social-first, creator-driven approach" to brand building.
For a small-cap company like Xcel, securing such substantial funding potentially provides critical capital resources that could fundamentally transform its financial position. While the announcement doesn't specify the investment structure (equity vs. debt) or the percentage stake UTG will receive, the magnitude alone suggests this could be a company-changing transaction.
The strategic aspects may prove equally valuable. UTG's global experience in brand development and operational expertise across the retail value chain complements Xcel's digital marketing strengths. As noted by Xcel's CEO, there appears to be "tremendous synergy between our companies' goals, missions, and visions for the future of the global consumer sector."
This partnership could potentially accelerate Xcel's growth trajectory by providing both financial resources and expanded operational capabilities in a competitive consumer brands landscape.
NEW YORK, April 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Xcel Brands (NASDAQ: XELB), an industry leading media and consumer products company specializing in building influencer-driven brands through live streaming and social commerce, is thrilled to announce a strategic partnership and a
UTG specializes in mergers, acquisitions, brand strategy, and digital innovation; partnering with top-tier companies worldwide to maximize brand value and unlock new growth opportunities. They empower brands and merchants by providing the infrastructure and operational expertise—across design, manufacturing, distribution, and retail.
UTG believes in elevating brands beyond products, crafting immersive experiences that resonate with consumers. Leveraging emerging media, social platforms, and cutting-edge retail technology, UTG continuously redefines how brands connect with audiences. Whether through DTC, interactive campaigns, influencer collaborations, or experiential retail, they create dynamic, consumer-driven brand experiences.
“We are excited to work with Xcel Brands,” said Alex Wang, Co-Founder and Chairman of UTG. “By combining their expertise in social commerce and our shared vision and commitment to product and innovation, we look forward to building the next generation of great brands.”
"We are very excited to partner with UTG,” stated Robert W. D'Loren, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Xcel Brands. “There is tremendous synergy between our companies’ goals, missions, and visions for the future of the global consumer sector. With UTG’s global expertise and our shared commitment to innovation, brand building and leveraging pioneering new technologies, we see great opportunities on the horizon and look forward to unlocking new possibilities together.”
This collaboration reinforces Xcel’s commitment to transforming how consumers engage with the brands they love. Both UTG and Xcel Brands are rooted in a social-first, creator-driven approach—leveraging the power of digital communities, cultural relevance, and influencer partnerships to build brands that truly resonate with today’s consumer. Visit www.xcelbrands.com for more information.
Consensus, an investment bank focused on the consumer products sector (www.Consensusadvisors.com), advised UTG on this transaction.
About Xcel Brands
Xcel Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ: XELB) is a media and consumer products company engaged in the design, licensing, marketing, live streaming, and social commerce sales of branded apparel, footwear, accessories, fine jewelry, home goods and other consumer products, and the acquisition of dynamic consumer lifestyle brands. Xcel was founded in 2011 with a vision to reimagine shopping, entertainment, and social media as social commerce. Xcel owns the Halston, Judith Ripka, and C. Wonder brands, as well as the Tower Hill by Christie Brinkley co-branded collaboration, and holds noncontrolling interests in the Isaac Mizrahi brand and Orme Live. Xcel also owns and manages the Longaberger brand through its controlling interest in Longaberger Licensing LLC. Xcel has recently announced the launch of new pet brand, Trust-Respect-Love by Cesar Millan and bakeware and cooking brand with Gemma Stafford. Xcel is pioneering a true modern consumer products sales strategy which includes the promotion and sale of products under its brands through interactive television, digital live-stream shopping, social commerce, brick-and-mortar retail, and e-commerce channels to be everywhere its customers shop. The company’s brands have generated in excess of
About UTG
United Trademark Group (UTG) is a global leader in consumer brands, headquartered in Shanghai, China, with offices in Toronto, Paris, and Milan. Leveraging world-class product development, expert supply chain capabilities, and an unrivaled retail distribution network in China, UTG has transformed multiple brands into household names across the region.
Currently managing a diverse portfolio of over 10 brands, UTG generates more than
UTG is committed to building brands that go beyond products, creating lifestyles that connect people to the activities and experiences they love.
For further information please contact:
Seth Burroughs
Xcel Brands
sburroughs@xcelbrands.com
FAQ
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