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Authentic Brands Group, LLC (ABG) has announced the acquisition of Elvis Presley Intellectual Property Assets from CORE Media Group. ABG will work in partnership with the Presley family and Joel Weinshanker, Chairman and Founder of National Entertainment Collectibles Association (NECA), to promote the legacy of Elvis Presley and run the Graceland operation.

ABG already owns the intellectual property rights to Marilyn Monroe, Muhammad Ali and many other big names. ABG Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Jamie Salter, says:

“We are honored to welcome Elvis into the ABG brand portfolio and look forward to working alongside the Presley family and the team at Elvis Presley Enterprises (EPE) to increase Elvis’ popularity and fan base worldwide.”

Lisa Marie Presley had made it clear that the actual Graceland mansion remains her property:

“While I will continue to own Graceland and the original artifacts, we are looking forward to working with our new partners to continue the growth and expansion we have been working towards. The licensing and merchandising aspect of this business is not to be confused with the fact that the property will always remain with me and my family. However, this is a great partnership for our family and Elvis fans worldwide.”

The acquisition gives ABG the global rights to a vast library of photographic imagery, including artwork, album covers and movie posters; video and audio assets, including television appearances and music specials; Elvis’ name and likeness; and other assets, including the rights to major Elvis themed events such as Elvis Week, an international celebration of Elvis’ life and legacy.

Joel Weinshanker will acquire the rights to the management of Graceland operations, with ABG and the Presley family as partners. Weinshanker says:

“It is with great honor, and a profound sense of responsibility that we assume ownership of the Graceland operations. We will usher in a new era of an enhanced Graceland experience, run for the fans, by a fan. Graceland is Elvis Presleys’ castle, and I look forward to helping take this global landmark to new and exciting heights. We look forward to continuing to give visitors to Graceland, whether online or in–person, whether their first visit or their 500th, a world class experience.”

Earnings from Elvis’ estate reached an estimated $55m in 2012.

ABG will no doubt be delighted that Elvis is currently experiencing positive press and a chart revival in the UK, with the soundtrack to “The Nation’s Favourite Elvis Song” television special in the Top Ten of the UK album chart for two weeks in a row.

The standard and deluxe editions of “The Nation’s Favourite Elvis Songs” can be ordered now via the links below.

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The Nation’s Favourite Elvis Songs	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now
The Nation’s Favourite Elvis Songs – Deluxe Edition	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now