Iconix Bought Ed Hardy

So, you’re a longtime fan of Christian Audigier’s Ed Hardy brand? If so, 50 percent of your favorite brand’s stake was bought by one of the biggest names in streetwear world: Iconix Brand Group, Inc. And as tattoo t-shirts are still popular, Iconix reportedly paid 17 million dollars, comprised of 9 million dollars in cash and 8 million in stock. To top it all, the sellers could be entitled to receive an additional 1 million dollars in stock pursuant to an earn-out based on 2009 royalties received by Hardy Way.
[Read our other article on Christian Audigier]

Will there be any changes made to Ed Hardy’s famous tattoo t-shirt designs? Neil Cole, Chairman and CEO of Iconix stated:

“We are excited to have the opportunity to participate in the continued success of the Ed Hardy brand and believe there are tremendous growth opportunities worldwide. We also believe that by owning the brand alongside Don Ed Hardy, the founder, there will be opportunities to further leverage his iconic name along with his new artwork.”

And the master of the art, Don Ed Hardy, stated:

“As demand for my artwork continues to skyrocket, I felt it was time to take on a partner that could help me manage the demand and opportunities for the Ed Hardy name. Iconix is at the forefront of brand management and clearly has the capabilities to dramatically grow the Ed Hardy business. I’m thrilled to have them as a partner.”

It was back in1967 when Don Ed Hardy decided to transform the tattoo business into an artistic medium. Starting in 2003, the Ed Hardy brand has been run by Christian Audigier and his company: Nervous Tattoo. [Read more on the history of the Ed Hardy brand.]

We’ll have to wait and see what the new partnership will come out with. In the meantime, here are some Ed Hardy goods you’ll love, picked out by SoJones.com’s editors:

Ed Hardy Skull Roses Basic Ribbed Tank, $48

Ed Hardy Tiger Dress, $150