Terminator Brand For Sale Again
01-26-10
How much are the rights to the TERMINATOR brand worth?
Derek Anderson and Victor Kubicek acquired the sci-fi franchise in 2007 for approximately $25 million and produced ‘Terminator Salvation’. They are looking to sell their brand rights as the companies they own are fighting off bankruptcy and not cyborgs.
Anderson and Kubicek’s Halcyon Holding Group retained FTI Capital Advisors and have requested court approval to “evaluate strategic alternatives.”
The Original Terminator was released in 1984. Production company Hemdale Film Corporation owned 50% and creator James Cameron sold his 50% to his producing partner and future wife Gale Anne Hurd for $1. They have since divorced.
In 1990, Carolco Pictures, owned by producers Mario Kassar and Andrew Vajna, bought Hemdale’s position for $10 million then promptly released ‘Terminator 2: Judgment Day’. However In 1997, Carolco went bankrupt, but the partners started C2 Pictures which purchased their old firm’s stake for $8 million and paid around $8 million for the remaining 50% from Hurd.
In 2007, novice producers Anderson and Kubicek purchased the Terminator rights. Anderson claims that the Terminator rights are now worth more than $60 million - twice what he and his partner bought it for. The box office and DVD sales seem to prove that ‘Terminator: Salvation’ is worth more than expected and should even generate more sequels. Predicting future revenue for any entertainment project is hard to do but this franchise is on solid ground as long as the next story plot is compelling and draws the fans.
How many more times will such a powerful brand change hands, no one knows. My guesstimate is that the Terminator Trademark and brand will be a viable entertainment asset for generations to come and will hold its value.
I look forward to the next installment, as do millions of audience members and fans. Be prepared for the Rise and War Of The Machines