The move will combine Abysse Corp’s global presence with GB eye’s extensive local production, manufacturing expertise and market knowledge.
Fan-focused merchandise specialist, Abysee Corp has this morning (1 March) confirmed the acquisition of GB eye in a multi-million pound deal.
The move will combine Abysse Corp’s global presence with GB eye’s extensive local production, manufacturing expertise and market knowledge, while strengthening the common goal of creating the best fan focused products.
GB eye has been a UK market leader in posters and fan-based merchandise since 1986, with over 100 licences, significant agreements with key UK retailers and long-standing trade relationships.
Abysse Corp has enjoyed substantial year on year growth since its inception in 2003 due to its unique products, distribution and market knowledge. The acquisition of GB eye will give Abysse Corp further distribution in the UK which is Europe’s largest market for licensed products. Equally, the GB eye range will have access to a new level of distribution worldwide.
The merger will provide substantial warehousing and manufacturing capabilities both in the UK and multiple locations in mainland Europe, meaning the company will be able to deliver direct to retailers quicker around the world as well as trade seamlessly with the new restrictions caused by Brexit. Furthermore, the combination of the two companies will give licensors a single strong, versatile partner across Europe and worldwide.
The 100-strong GB eye team is being welcomed to the global Abysse group and they will be reaching out to customers, licensors and partners in the coming days to share further details.
The group will employ almost 300 staff and expects a consolidated turnover close to €60 million for 2021.
A statement from the GB eye board of directors said: “After 35 years in the business, we are delighted to announce the sale of the company to Abysse Corp. We are leaving GB eye in good hands. This was incredibly important to us. Abysse Corp is the perfect fit and has a like-minded business strategy with the ability to identify forthcoming trends and create high quality products for any pop-culture fans.
“Abysse Corp plans a smooth continuation of the business by adding the highly regarded GB eye brand to its existing global distribution network. The growth potential of the combined group is very exciting and we strongly believe that this is great news for all the GB eye staff as the business continues to go from strength to strength.”
The statement continued: “We would also like to take this opportunity to thank licensors, customers, suppliers and of course our many loyal staff members who have worked tirelessly over the years to make GB eye the successful business it is today. We wish you all every success in the future.”
Xavier Sartoris, president at Abysse Corp, added: “The integration of GB eye is a fantastic opportunity to onboard a well-trained and very professional team. The two companies are really complementary and it is a great step to add GB eye’s production facility to ours in France.
“Local production and a strong domestic distribution is certainly the reason why both companies show such an amazing resilience in the Covid time.”
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