Beanstalk Acquired by Investment Group and Management Team
Transaction will enable leading global brand licensing agency to enhance its investment in strategic growth initiatives
NEW YORK (February 6, 2025) – Beanstalk, a global leader in brand extension licensing, announced today it has been acquired by a consortium of institutional investors led by JPE Investments, the family office of Jason Epstein, funds and affiliates of Beach Point Capital Management (“Beach Point”) and the family offices of Lance Hirt and Brian Cooper. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Beanstalk’s management and the new ownership group plan to invest in strategic growth initiatives to enhance the company’s global platform, with a focus on furthering its industry leadership and client service excellence. Omnicom, Beanstalk’s previous owner, will remain an alliance partner offering continued relationships with its agencies.
Longtime Beanstalk leader and industry veteran, Allison Ames will continue to lead the agency in her role as President & CEO. Jason Epstein will assume the role of Chairman of Beanstalk, bringing a long track record of leading successful business carve outs. Beanstalk’s co-founder, Michael Stone, will remain with the company in an advisory capacity.
“This is an exciting new chapter for Beanstalk and our clients, partners and talent,” said CEO, Allison Ames. “This investment will enable us to supercharge our already thriving business and provide the resources that will enhance our services to continue driving innovation in the licensing industry and deliver excellence for our world-class clients. We are thrilled to partner with Jason, Lance, Brian and Beach Point as we expand Beanstalk’s global reach and accelerate future growth.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Beanstalk to our investment portfolio,” said Jason Epstein. “The company is led by an extraordinary and best-in-class team with an unmatched reputation within the licensing industry. This acquisition aligns perfectly with our mission to invest in innovative, high-growth companies. I look forward to working with the team to unlock the full potential of the Beanstalk platform.”
“Beanstalk is an industry leader in licensing, with unrivaled capabilities to serve its clients, many of whom are Fortune 500 companies, and help them grow their businesses,” said Michael Haynes, Portfolio Manager and Head of Private Capital at Beach Point. “We are excited to partner with management and our fellow investment group to support the agency’s continued growth and industry leadership. Allison and her team have built Beanstalk into a world-class brand licensing agency, and we look forward to being part of the company’s exciting next chapter.”
About Beanstalk
Founded in 1992, Beanstalk, a global brand licensing agency, works closely with its clients to create transformative brand extensions to drive innovation and incremental brand value. Delivering on its unparalleled expertise across multiple industry sectors, the agency works with leading global brands, manufacturers and retailers to create ground-breaking consumer products and experiences for brands, talent and media properties that strengthen their connections with consumers. Beanstalk offers a breadth of services across its practice areas, including brand representation, digital media representation (Tinderbox), manufacturer representation, consulting, brand partnerships, cultural intelligence, location-based entertainment, legal and financial services, and royalty auditing. The company is headquartered in New York, with offices in London, Miami, Cincinnati, Mexico City and Sao Paulo, and affiliates throughout the world. Beanstalk is the recipient of over 30 industry awards, including the Licensing International Excellence Award for Best Licensing Agency. For more information, visit www.beanstalk.com.