Live Nation's recently formed Artist Nation division (which everyone seems to be calling 'Live Nation Artists' all of sudden) has acquired merchandising firm Signatures Network for a reported $79 million in cash, stock and repayment of debt. The deal will also see Signatures Network chief Dell Furano head up Live Nation's merchandising division.
Signatures Network markets and licenses merchandising rights for over 150 artists, including premiere league artists like U2, Bruce Springsteen, Barbra Streisand, Justin Timberlake, Jennifer Lopez and The Beatles.
As previously reported, Live Nation's recently created Artists division will spearhead the entertainment conglom's expansion beyond its traditional live music business, into merchandising and fan club management and, through its deal with Madonna, into recorded music too.