Opus Bank in Irvine signed a marketing and referral agreement with New York-based On Deck Capital Inc., whose financing products focus on small businesses.
“Opus offers an extensive suite of lending products through its commercial bank and, while we receive a significant amount of inquiry for small business loans through our retail bank, OnDeck has proven to be much more proficient in underwriting and funding these smaller loans,” Chief Executive Stephen Gordon said in a statement. “This partnership enables Opus to further leverage and scale its strong market presence by offering small balance financing solutions that it was otherwise not able to efficiently accommodate and, in doing so, generate additional revenues while not using Opus’ balance sheet or capital.”
Opus has about $6.6 billion in assets and a market value of about $974.4 million.
IMAX Film Adds Subaru
Laguna Beach-based MacGillivray Freeman Films’ latest IMAX movie, “National Parks Adventure,” premiered Friday with a new sponsor in tow.
Subaru of America Inc. in Cherry Hill, N.J., joined Bellevue, Wash.-based Expedia Inc. and Brand USA in Washington, D.C., as a sponsor of the film, which follows mountaineer Conrad Anker, photographer Max Lowe and artist Rachel Pohl as they hike, climb and explore 30 national parks.
“National Parks Adventure” opens with a video spot by Subaru that promotes the importance of national parks and the need to protect them. Expedia, meanwhile, has “created an easy way for travelers to book their next trip to explore all that our national parks have to offer,” according to the company.
Brand USA, a marketing organization that aims to “increase awareness and enhance the image of the United States among worldwide travelers,” is using the movie as the centerpiece of its “Great Outdoors” global marketing campaign.
“This film would not have been possible without the support of our partners,” Shaun MacGillivray, producer of “National Parks Adventure” and MacGillivray Freeman Films president, said in a statement.
Sports Syndicate Sold
Wasserman Media Group, a Los Angeles-based sports, entertainment and lifestyle marketing and management agency, has acquired The Sports Syndicate in Newport Beach for an undisclosed amount.
The Sports Syndicate, founded by Bob McClellan and Bobby Nichols, represents nearly 40 athletes, including snowboarder Torstein Horgmo, who is sponsored by DC Shoes and Oakley Inc.
“Throughout the years, The Sports Syndicate has been our biggest competitor in the industry and we have had nothing but the utmost respect for their business, work ethic and clients,” Wasserman Managing Partner Steve Astephen said in a statement. “With the industry maturing, now is the perfect time for us to join forces and consolidate our practices.”
Wasserman will now represent nearly 300 athletes in 45 sports, including skateboarder Ryan Sheckler and 2008 track and field Olympic gold medalist Dawn Harper-Nelson.
Paul Frank Back With Julius
Fashion designer Paul Frank Sunich has joined Los Angeles-based Saban Brands LLC as director of creative development.
Sunich in 1995 co-founded Costa Mesa-based Paul Frank Industries LLC with Ryan Heuser and John Oswald. The company became known for its Julius the Monkey and other cartoon characters. They sold it in 2005 for an estimated $50 million to Saban Brands’ parent, Los Angeles-based private equity firm Saban Capital Group Inc.
“When I started sewing Julius wallets back in 1995, I had no idea how popular the character and brand would become,” Sunich said in a statement. “Julius and all of the Paul Frank characters are a part of me, which is why it’s such an amazing feeling to reunite with them. I’m excited to join the Saban Brands family and see what the future holds.”
Paul Frank Industries unveiled a new look for the brand at New York Fashion Week in September, “a line of lively, colorful new looks, which highlight a more fashion-centric approach for the brand’s children’s Spring|Summer 2016 collection,” according to the company.
Bits & Pieces
Hyundai Motor America Inc. in Fountain Valley is the first automotive company to win USA Today’s Ad Meter. Its Genesis spot “First Date” beat out 63 other Super Bowl 50 commercials, while its “Ryanville” and “The Chase” finished fifth and sixth, respectively (see related story, page 3) … BSH Home Appliances Corp. in Irvine is the official home appliance sponsor of the 11th annual Modernism Week festival this month in Palm Springs that celebrates “midcentury modern design, architecture, art, fashion and culture with more than 250 events.” Bosch appliances will be showcased at the festival.
