Stones Go For Universal Merch

About a year after switching from EMI to Universal for its recording deal, The Rolling Stones have turned to the same company for its merchandising.

Global music merchandiser Bravado, one of a package of companies Universal picked up acquiring Sanctuary Music Group for £44.5 million in 2008, will manufacture and distribute the band’s swag.

An agreement announced July 30 covers future albums and the post-1971 catalogue.

“We are looking forward to integrating all of the resources we now have on hand – from their merchandising to all of their audio and video content – to create dynamic new opportunities that combine music and merchandise in unique exclusive formats, sold to not only existing retailers but to new exciting non-traditional outlets,” said Bravado chief exec Tom Bennett.

Bravado, which sells merchandise on live tours, via selected retail outlets and through Web-based stores, has a client list that includes such megastars as Kanye West, Beyoncé, Gwen Stefani, Nickelback, Lady Gaga, Elton John, Metallica and Led Zeppelin.

The company has offices in London, Los Angeles, New York, Berlin, Paris, Tokyo and Sydney.