Move over Bob the Builder, make way for Bob the Billionaire! Bob Marley the billionaire that is!  According to CNNMoney. The Marley estate is “set to generate more that $1 billion in worldwide annual sales by 2012″ and set him up to become the richest dead celebrity.

Twenty-eight years after his death the reggae icon’s earning can top the likes of Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, John Lennon and Jimmy Hendrix to name a few dead celebrities.

Hilco Consumer Capital, a Toronto-based private-equity firm  has struck a management deal with the Marley estate, expected to generate worldwide annual sales in excess of $1 billion by 2012. This number is not far fetched as pirated Marley merchandise generate as much as $600 million already.

Licensing deals like this one typically assure the estates 10% to 15% percent of gross proceeds. The Marley estate and Hilco will divide proceeds.

All I can say is :yeh mon, everyting irie in Marleyland!”

Richtastic
www.Richtastic.com

(Image Via ObsessedWithFilm)