Bravado has issued a press release in conjunction with the Michael Jackson estate trumpeting the company’s merch deal, approved by the judge at Monday's hearing. According to the terms of the agreement, the UMG-owned company will be the exclusive manufacturer and distributor of all Michael Jackson-associated merchandise. The announcement was made today by Co-Special Administrators John Branca and John McClain, and by Bravado CEO Tom Bennett.

This new deal builds on an existing agreement between Bravado and AEG Live that placed Bravado as the exclusive merchandiser for Jackson’s tour at the 02 Arena in London. With this new deal, which has been done directly between the estate and Bravado, the company will now exclusively create, market and distribute the majority of Michael Jackson-related products on a global basis.

Said Branca and McClain in their joint statement: “Bravado is the perfect partner for the Estate on Michael Jackson merchandise. The reputation of Tom and his team for creating compelling merchandise and providing strong product support is stellar. We are delighted to be working with them.”

Commented Bennett: “We are thrilled to expand our services to become the exclusive merchandiser for Michael Jackson-related products. Creating this new line alongside Michael was a privilege of a lifetime; it truly celebrates Michael’s unmistakable style and irreplaceable talent, and helps commemorate and preserve the legacy that is Michael Jackson.”

The new extensive collection of over 200 premium items, which is the only official line of Jackson merchandise available to the public, includes items created in collaboration with the artist. It is available worldwide through www.MichaelJacksonMerch.com, as well as through such leading retailers as Hot Topic, Target, Old Navy and JCPenny, among others.