NeNe Leakes to Launch Brand That Empowers Women

June 12, 2012, New York, NY., – Beanstalk, a leading global brand licensing agency and consultancy, today announced a business partnership with television star, NeNe Leakes.  As NeNe’s licensing agency of record, Beanstalk will leverage NeNe’s aspirational style and outspoken personality to develop a brand that empowers women, of all shapes and sizes, through fashion.  Beanstalk will collaborate with NeNe’s management agency, The Collective, and legal representation at Fox Rothschild, LLP, on the program.

Since her sensational debut on Bravo’s Real Housewives of Atlanta in 2008, which recently wrapped up its fourth season, NeNe has been a fan favorite, receiving numerous accolades including Bravo’s the A-List Award for “Reality’s Guiltiest Pleasure” (2009) and A-list Award for “Fan Favorite” (2008).  She was also voted “Diva of the Season” by People magazine and an “Entertainer of the Year” by Entertainment Weekly.  The reunion episode for the fourth Real Housewives of Atlanta season received the highest ratings in Bravo’s history of the entire franchise.

NeNe aggressively continues to strengthen her credentials and build her brand.  She has recently extended her career into scripted entertainment, receiving critical acclaim for her recurring role as “Coach Roz Washington” on Fox’s hit comedy Glee. In addition to this, NeNe has also been cast in the upcoming Ryan Murphy sitcom, The New Normal, staring Ellen Barkin and Justin Bartha which is scheduled to debut this fall on NBC.

“We are thrilled to partner with an industry leader such as Beanstalk to transform NeNe Leakes into a brand that can resonate with women,” said Steven Grossman, Talent Manager at The Collective, “Her no-nonsense demeanor and entrepreneurial spirit has allowed her to amass a loyal fan base that shares her ambition. Through the launch of authentic and compelling consumer products, NeNe will have the ability to enhance the connection she maintains with fans and extend beyond her existing entertainment platforms.”

As NeNe’s TV presence evolves, she continues to be sought out as a style icon for women of varying shapes and sizes. Beanstalk will leverage NeNe’s position in pop culture to offer consumers fashion-forward, affordable apparel and accessories, designed to empower women to walk into a room and ‘own it’ – like NeNe herself.

“It is an exciting time to be working with NeNe Leakes. NeNe’s rise to fame has eclipsed that of any other reality television star today, providing a real opportunity to extend her brand,” said Allison Ames, President, North America of Beanstalk. “Her tenacity and candor has elevated her career, while inspiring others through her life experiences.  Her versatility as an actress and aspirational style meaningfully translates into new products that will emotionally connect with her fans.”

“As NeNe's legal counsel, we are proud to see NeNe leveraging her television success to grow and diversify her brand, while generating an additional revenue stream that ensures long-term sustainability,” said Darrell D. Miller, Esq. of Fox Rothschild, LLP.

About NeNe Leakes

NeNe, mother to two sons, is the author of “Never Make the Same Mistake Twice,” and founder of Twisted Hearts, a charity that brings awareness to the plight of domestic violence against women of all races. NeNe’s other credits include a combination of guest star, talk show host and correspondent work on various shows including comedies, The Game and Let’s Stay Together as well as appearances on The Insider, Live from the Red Carpet, Ellen, The Talk, The Wendy Williams Show, Entertainment Tonight, and Jimmy Kimmel Live as well as a contestant on the 2011 season of The Celebrity Apprentice.

NeNe is represented by Darrell D. Miller, Esq. of Fox Rothschild, LLP and managed by Steve Grossman of The Collective.

About Beanstalk:

Beanstalk, a global brand licensing agency and consultancy, extends brands through the strategic and creative development of licensed products. The company works with corporate brands, celebrities, entertainment properties, and other high-profile clients to leverage licensing as a strategic tool to enhance brand awareness, increase consumer touch-points, and generate revenue. Beanstalk also offers a breadth of additional licensing services including direct-to-retail program management, license acquisition for manufacturers and TransAct™ licensing program administration. The company is headquartered in New York, with offices in London, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Miami, and Hong Kong, and affiliates throughout the world.  For more information, please visit www.beanstalk.com. Beanstalk is a part of Omnicom Group Inc. Diversified Agency Services (NYSE: OMC).

About Diversified Agency Services/Omnicom Group

Diversified Agency Services (DAS), a division of Omnicom Group Inc., manages Omnicom’s holdings in a variety of specialty marketing and communications disciplines. DAS includes over 200 companies, which operate through a combination of networks and regional organizations, serving domestic and global clients through more than 700 offices in 71 countries. Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE-OMC) (www.omnicomgroup.com) is a leading global marketing and corporate communications company. Omnicom’s branded networks and numerous specialty firms provide advertising, strategic media planning and buying, digital and interactive marketing, direct and promotional marketing, public relations and other specialty communications services to over 5,000 clients in more than 100 countries.