New York, NY – Brand management company Iconix International Inc. has now completed the acquisition of the global rights across all product categories to the PONY brand (excluding China and Taiwan), from Hong Kong based company Symphony Holdings Ltd. Iconix will leverage their expertise in operating athletic and lifestyle brands to maximize the value of PONY by uniting the global PONY brand rights under one roof. The global brand will be run from Iconix’s New York City office, bringing a united PONY brand back to its roots.

In Asia Pacific, the PONY brand will be managed as a joint venture with Symphony bringing together the two brand owners to leverage the partners’ respective regional expertise. The timing of the acquisition coincides with a big moment for the heritage athletic brand, as 2022 marks PONY’s 50th anniversary.

Founded in Manhattan in 1972, the PONY brand has a rich history of influencing New York’s culture of cool. PONY stands for “Product of New York,” and has been worn by legendary athletes across multiple sports including basketball, football, baseball, boxing, soccer, and tennis. Now 50 years later, PONY continues to embody the same ground-breaking spirit that originally defined the brand, playing to its strengths as a heritage sneaker brand and continuing to disrupt the sneaker world its New York state of mind.

Bob Galvin, CEO of Iconix, commented: “We are proud to announce our global ownership of PONY, which will allow Iconix to control and invest in the brand’s considerable equity, including improved product development and a greater focus on digital and data-based marketing. Sports remains a key focal point of our portfolio and PONY, with its strong brand recognition and rich heritage in both sport and fashion has significant potential for global growth. We look forward to evolving the brand to introduce it to a new generation, while also connecting with consumers that already value its heritage. In addition, PONY will be celebrating its 50th anniversary later this year with a very exciting relaunch of the brand with our partners around the world.”

Mr. Cheng Tun Nei, Chairman & CEO of Symphony, stated “The Group is delighted to collaborate with Iconix once again on the PONY brand through the sale of its global trademarks. At the same time, we will mobilize our resources to manage PONY’s business in the Asia Pacific region through a joint venture set up. With our collaboration, it leverages Iconix’s global resources, its valuable experience in branding & licensing operation, couple with Symphony’s expertise in the Asia Pacific region. As this also coincides with the historical celebration of PONY’s 50th anniversary, we are confident that this will create synergy which would enhance the brand’s influence especially in the Asia Pacific Region.” 

About Iconix

Iconix International Inc. owns, licenses, and markets a diversified portfolio of athletic, heritage and other consumer brands, including OCEAN PACIFIC®, DANSKIN®, FIELDCREST®, CHARISMA®, STARTER®, PONY®, WAVERLY®, UMBRO®, LEE COOPER® and ECKO UNLTD. ®. In addition, Iconix provides brand management, licensing, and other advisory services to owners of brand IP on a global basis. The Company licenses its and third-party brands to a network of leading retailers, manufacturers and other operators that touch every major segment of retail distribution in both the U.S. and worldwide. Through its in-house business development, strategy, merchandising, advertising, and public relations departments, Iconix manages these brands to drive greater consumer awareness, broader commercial reach, and greater brand valuations.

About Symphony

Symphony Holdings Limited (Stock code: 1223.HK) is an enterprise with focus on operating sports brands and retail business. Aside from the PONY brand, the Group is also the owner of worldwide trademarks and patents of SKINS, the first compression wear brand in the world. The brand’s global business is managed through a joint venture between Symphony & ITOCHU Corporation, one of the top trading companies in Japan. In addition, the Group operates its retail business strategically located across China, including Xiamen, Shenyang, Anyang, Tianjin and Chongqing.