Authentic Brands Group

American brand development and licensing company

Authentic Brands Group LLC

Company type| Private
Industry|

* Brand management
* talent management
* retail
* publishing

Founded| 2010; 14 years ago (2010)
Founder| Jamie Salter
Headquarters| 1411 Broadway,

New York City

United States[1]

Brands| List of brands
Revenue| $22.5 billion (2021)
Owners|

* CVC Capital Partners
* HPS Investment Partners

Website| authenticbrandsgroup.com

Authentic Brands Group LLC (ABG) is an American brand management company headquartered in New York City. Its holdings include various apparel, athletics, and entertainment brands, which it partners with other companies to license and merchandise.[2] ABG owns more than 50 consumer brands,[3] as well as the likeness rights or estates of celebrities, including Muhammad Ali, Elvis Presley, and Marilyn Monroe.

## History

[edit]

### Origins and early work

[edit]

The company was founded in 2010 by Jamie Salter, after he stepped down as CEO of Hilco Consumer Capital, a company that was involved in the restructuring of struggling consumer brands (such as Bombay Company and Polaroid Corporation).[4] Salter invested US$250 million in the new venture, and the majority of the equity was sold to Leonard Green & Partners.[4] Two of ABG's first major purchases were the clothing brands Silver Star and Tapout.[4] In January 2011, Authentic Brands Group acquired rights to the likeness of Marilyn Monroe.[4][5][6]

### 2010s

[edit]

In October 2013, ABG announced the purchase of Juicy Couture from Fifth & Pacific for US$195 million.[7] The following month, ABG acquired the estate of Muhammad Ali, and CORE Media Group's 85% stake in Elvis Presley Enterprises (which includes the estate of Elvis Presley, likeness rights, and music publishing assets).[8][9][10][11]

In December 2015, basketball player Shaquille O'Neal signed with ABG to manage his likeness and marketing rights.[12] In September 2016, Julius Erving also sold his name and licensing rights to ABG,[13] and Aéropostale was purchased out of bankruptcy by a consortium that included ABG and other investors.[14][15]

In March 2017, ABG became the controlling partner of Greg Norman's consumer products business.[16]

In March 2018, ABG announced that they would acquire Nautica from VF Corporation.[17] On June 10, 2018, ABG announced that it was the winning bidder for the intellectual property of Nine West Holdings.[18] The acquisition was completed on July 3, 2018.[19] On October 10, 2018, ABG announced that it had entered into an agreement to purchase a majority stake in the intellectual property of the Camuto Group's proprietary brands in partnership with DSW Inc.[20]

In May 2019, ABG announced its acquisition of sports magazine Sports Illustrated from Meredith Corporation for US$110 million.[21] The company stated it planned to leverage its trademarks and other non-core assets in new ventures. Meredith will continue to publish the Sports Illustrated magazine and digital properties under license for at least two years.[22] On June 18, 2019, it was announced that rights to publish the Sports Illustrated editorial operations would be licensed to The Maven under a 10-year deal, with Ross Levinsohn as CEO.[23] In August 2019, BlackRock became the largest shareholder in Authentic Brands.[24]

### 2020s

[edit]

In May 2020, ABG and David Glasser's 101 Studios formed a joint venture, Sports Illustrated Studios, for feature film and television projects. The joint venture would have a slate of several TV series and films per year. The first announced project was the Covers two-hour docuseries based on the magazine's cover stories.[25]

In August 2020, it was announced that Brooks Brothers was sold to ABG and Simon Property Group, the biggest mall operator in the US. The new owners committed to continuing to operate at least 125 Brooks Brothers retail locations worldwide (down from 424 global locations before the COVID-19 pandemic).[26]

In June 2021, it was announced that ABG would acquire the Izod, Van Heusen, Arrow, and Geoffrey Beene brands from PVH.[27]

In July 2021, ABG filed for an estimated US$1.5 billion initial public offering.[28][29] In November 2021, ABG withdrew its IPO, selling private stake in the company to CVC Capital, HPS Investment Partners, and other current stakeholders at a company value of $12.7 billion.[30]

In August 2021, it was announced that ABG would be acquiring the sports clothing brand Reebok from Adidas for at least US$2.5 billion in a deal expected to close in the first quarter of 2022.[31] Private equity companies CVC Capital Partners and HPS Investment Partners invested $3.5 billion in ABG in a deal that closed in November 2021.[32] ABG announced they would delay the IPO until 2023 or 2024.[33]

In April 2023, ABG made a binding offer to acquire Boardriders, Inc. for US$1.25 billion. Boardriders includes the Quiksilver, Billabong, Roxy, RVCA, DC Shoes, Element, Von Zipper and Honolua brands, as well as the retailer Surf Dive 'n Ski.[34]

In January 2024, Authentic Brands Group, which had bought Sports Illustrated for $110 million from Meredith in 2019, terminated the agreement it holds with The Arena Group to publish, leading to all Sports Illustrated staffers being laid off.[35] In March 2024, Authentic Brands Group relicensed Sports Illustrated to Minute Media; the company planned to rehire some of the affected employees.[36]

In January 2024, Wolverine World Wide announced the sale of Sperry to Authentic Brands Group who in turn is licensing the brand to the Aldo Group for North American operations.[37] In June 2024, Hanesbrands announced plans to sell the Champion brand to Authentic Brands for $1.2 billion.[38]

## Portfolio

[edit]

Name  | Industry or career  | Acquired in  | Ref.

|
|
|

1 State  | Fashion and luxury  | 2018  |
Above the Rim  | Athletic wear  | 2014  | [39]
Aéropostale | Clothing retailer  | 2016  | [40]
Airwalk | Athletic wear  | 2014  | [39]
Billabong | Surf apparel  | 2023  | [34]
Muhammad Ali[a] | Boxer  | 2013  |
Arrow | Formal/business casual clothing  | 2021  | [27]
Bandolino  | Fashion and luxury  | 2018  |
Barneys New York | Luxury department store  | 2019  |
David Beckham[a] | Football player  | 2022  |
Brooks Brothers[b] | Upscale clothing retailer  | 2020  |
Chaus  | Fashion and luxury  | 2018  |
Corso Como  | Fashion and luxury  | 2018  |
DC Shoes | Skateboarding/snowboarding footwear brand  | 2023  | [34]
Drexel  | Home  | 2018  |
Eddie Bauer | Outdoor apparel  | 2021  |
Element Skateboards | Skateboard brand  | 2023  | [34]
Enzo Angiolini  | Fashion and luxury  | 2018  |
Julius Erving[a] | Basketball player  | 2016  | [41]
First Semester  | Fashion and luxury  | 2018  |
Forever 21 | Fast fashion retailer  | 2020  | [42]
Frederick's of Hollywood | Lingerie retailer  | 2015  | [43]
Frye  | Fashion and luxury  | 2017  | [44]
Geoffrey Beene | Midscale fashion label  | 2021  | [27]
Greg Norman Shark  | Athletic wear  | 2017  |
Hart Schaffner Marx | Menswear manufacturer  | 2012  | [45]
Henredon  | Home  | 2018  |
Hervé Léger | Fashion and luxury  | 2017  | [46]
Hickey Freeman | Suit manufacturer  | 2012  | [45]
Hind  | Athletic wear  | 2014  | [39]
Honolua  | Hawaiian/surf apparel  | 2023  | [34]
Izod | Preppy/golf clothing brand  | 2021  | [27]
Jimmy'z | Fashion and luxury  | 2016  |
Jones New York  | Fashion and luxury  | 2015  | [47]
Juicy Couture | Women's clothing brand  | 2013  |
Judith Leiber[a] | Fashion label  | 2013  | [48]
Louise et Cie  | Fashion and luxury  | 2018  |
Lucky Brand Jeans | Denim company  | 2020  |
Misook  | Fashion and luxury  | 2012  | [45]
Monarchy  | Fashion and luxury  | 2012  |
Marilyn Monroe[a] | Actress  | 2010  |
Nautica | Preppy clothing brand  | 2018  | [49]
Neil Lane  | Fashion and luxury  | 2017  | [50]
Nine West | Fashion retailer  | 2018  | [51]
Greg Norman[a] | Golfer  | 2017  | [52]
Shaquille O'Neal[a] | Basketball player  | 2015  | [53]
Palm Beach  | Fashion and luxury  | 2012  |
Elvis Presley[a] | Singer  | 2013  |
Prince Sports | Sporting goods manufacturer  | 2012  | [54]
Quiksilver | Surf apparel  | 2023  | [34]
Reebok | Athletic wear  | 2022  | [31]
Rockport | Shoes  | 2023  | [55]
Roxy  | Women's lifestyle brand  | 2023  | [34]
RVCA | Skateboard/surf apparel  | 2023  | [34]
Sansabelt | Fashion and luxury  | 2012  |
Silver Star  | Athletic wear  | 2010  | [56]
Sole Play  | Fashion and luxury  | 2018  |
Sole Society  | Fashion and luxury  | 2018  |
Sportcraft  | Athletic wear  | 2012  | [57]
Sports Illustrated | Sports magazine  | 2019  | [58]
Spyder | Ski apparel manufacturer  | 2013  | [59]
Sterling & Hunt  | Fashion and luxury  | 2012  |
Tapout | Sports clothing brand  | 2010  | [56]
Taryn Rose  | Fashion and luxury  | 2013  | [48]
Ted Baker | Fashion and luxury  | 2022  | [60]
Thalía[a] | Singer  | 2016  | [61]
Thomasville | Home  | 2018  | [62]
Tretorn  | Fashion and luxury  | 2015  | [63]
Van Heusen | Formal/business casual clothing  | 2021  | [27]
Vince Camuto | Fashion label  | 2018  | [64]
Vision Street Wear | Skateboard apparel and footwear  | 2014  | [39]
Adrienne Vittadini[a] | Fashion and luxury  | 2013  | [48]
Volcom | Lifestyle brand  | 2019  | [65]
Von Zipper  | Extreme sports apparel  | 2023  | [34]
Zooey  | Fashion and luxury  | 2012  |

## Notes

[edit]

1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Indicates personal brand
2. ^ Co-owned by Simon Property Group

## References

[edit]

1. ^ Weiss, Lois (August 19, 2015). "Bids are in for Trinity Church cluster". New York Post. Retrieved January 21, 2020.
2. ^ Young, Vicki M. (October 30, 2017). "General Atlantic Makes Investment in Authentic Brands Group". WWD. Archived from the original on September 27, 2018. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
3. ^ Palmieri, Jean E. (September 24, 2018). "ABG's Nick Woodhouse on Building an Influencer Network". WWD. Archived from the original on September 27, 2018. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
4. ^ a b c d "Toronto native Jamie Salter rebrands Marilyn Monroe". The Globe and Mail. Archived from the original on October 29, 2016. Retrieved May 28, 2019.
5. ^ "Authentic Brands Group LLC and NECA Inc. Acquire the Intellectual Property of Marilyn Monroe LLC" (Press release). PR Newswire. Archived from the original on August 4, 2019. Retrieved November 22, 2019.
6. ^ "Leonard-Green Backed Authentic Brands to Buy Rest of Marilyn Monroe". pehub.com. Archived from the original on August 4, 2019. Retrieved November 22, 2019.
7. ^ "UPDATE 1-Fifth & Pacific sells Juicy Couture brand for $195 million". Reuters. October 7, 2013. Archived from the original on September 24, 2015. Retrieved June 30, 2017.
8. ^ "Elvis Presley brand sold to Authentic Brands Group". cbc.ca. Archived from the original on July 4, 2016. Retrieved November 22, 2019.
9. ^ Yan, Sophia (November 20, 2013). "Sold! Elvis Presley Inc. has a new owner". CNNMoney. Archived from the original on May 28, 2019. Retrieved May 28, 2019.
10. ^ "Sting like a bee: ABG buys rights to Ali brand". ESPN. November 19, 2013. Archived from the original on May 28, 2019. Retrieved May 28, 2019.
11. ^ Halperin, Shirley (August 16, 2017). "Elvis Presley Today: Graceland Proprietor on 'Blade Runner' Cameo, Hologram Plans, Changing Fanbase". Variety. Archived from the original on August 6, 2019. Retrieved August 6, 2019.
12. ^ "Shaq sells rights to future business endeavors". ESPN. December 17, 2015. Archived from the original on May 28, 2019. Retrieved May 28, 2019.
13. ^ "Erving sells majority rights to 'Dr. J' name, image". ESPN. September 27, 2016. Archived from the original on May 28, 2019. Retrieved May 28, 2019.
14. ^ Wahba, Phil (September 13, 2016). "Aéropostale Won't Go Out of Business After All". Fortune. Archived from the original on February 11, 2018. Retrieved February 10, 2018.
15. ^ Wilson, Marianne (January 11, 2017). "Teen apparel retailer reopens 500-plus stores". Chain Store Age. Archived from the original on February 12, 2018. Retrieved February 10, 2018.
16. ^ "Norman has deal with brand licensing firm ABG". ESPN. March 21, 2017. Archived from the original on May 28, 2019. Retrieved May 28, 2019.
17. ^ Howland, Daphne (March 19, 2018). "Authentic Brands snaps up Nautica from VF". Retail Dive. Archived from the original on July 26, 2018. Retrieved March 22, 2018.
18. ^ "Authentic Brands beats DSW in auction for Nine West: sources". Reuters. June 10, 2018. Archived from the original on September 11, 2018. Retrieved September 11, 2018.
19. ^ "ABG Completes the Acquisition of Nine West and Bandolino". Authentic Brands Group. July 3, 2018. Archived from the original on September 11, 2018. Retrieved September 11, 2018.
20. ^ Young, Vicki M. (October 10, 2018). "Camuto Group to Be Acquired by ABG, DSW for $375 Million". WWD. Archived from the original on October 15, 2018. Retrieved October 15, 2018.
21. ^ Bennett, Anita (May 28, 2019). "Sports Illustrated Sold To Authentic Brands Group For $110 Million". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on May 28, 2019. Retrieved May 28, 2019.
22. ^ Steinberg, Brian (May 28, 2019). "Meredith Sells Sports Illustrated to Authentic Brands Group for $110 Million". Variety. Archived from the original on May 28, 2019. Retrieved May 28, 2019.
23. ^ Kelly, Keith J. (June 17, 2019). "Sports Illustrated's media ops are getting a new operator". New York Post. Archived from the original on June 17, 2019. Retrieved June 18, 2019.
24. ^ Gottfried, Miriam; Lombardo, Cara (August 11, 2019). "BlackRock Takes Stake in Owner of Sports Illustrated, Nine West". Retrieved October 1, 2019.
25. ^ McNary, Dave (May 5, 2020). "Sports Illustrated Studios Launches With 101 Studios for Features, TV Content". Variety. Retrieved May 8, 2020.
26. ^ Maheshwari, Sapna (August 12, 2020). "Bankrupt Brooks Brothers Finds a Buyer". The New York Times. Retrieved August 12, 2020.
27. ^ a b c d e "PVH to sell Izod, Van Heusen and other labels to Authentic Brands in $220 million deal". MarketWatch. June 23, 2021. Retrieved June 23, 2021.
28. ^ "Authentic Brands Files for IPO Taking Forever 21 Owner Public". bloomberg.com. July 6, 2021.
29. ^ "Authentic Brands Group(AUTH) Files for IPO". mg21.com. July 6, 2021.
30. ^ Thomas, Lauren. "Authentic Brands Group shelves IPO, to sell stake in deal that values company at $12.7 billion". CNBC. CNBC. Retrieved March 20, 2024.
31. ^ a b "Adidas ends Reebok era with $2.5 bln sale to Authentic Brands". Reuters. Retrieved August 12, 2021.
32. ^ Gottfried, Matt Grossman and Miriam (November 22, 2021). "Authentic Brands Raises $3.5 Billion, Pushes Back IPO". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved November 22, 2021.
33. ^ Thomas, Lauren (November 22, 2021). "Authentic Brands Group shelves IPO, to sell stake in deal that values company at $12.7 billion". CNBC. Retrieved April 4, 2022.
34. ^ a b c d e f g h i LaFrenz, Carrie (April 3, 2023). "Big names back US group buying Billabong and Quiksilver parent". Australian Financial Review. Retrieved April 4, 2023.
35. ^ Nerkar, Santul; Draper, Kevin (November 28, 2023). "For Sports Illustrated, Report About Fake Authors Is Latest Stumble". The New York Times.
36. ^ Darcy, Oliver; Reilly, Liam (March 18, 2024). "Sports Illustrated to avert shutdown as it gets a fresh start under new publisher". CNN.
37. ^ Fonrouge, Gabrielle (January 11, 2024). "Wolverine World Wide sells Sperry to Authentic Brands Group in shoe retail deal". CNBC. Retrieved January 11, 2024.
38. ^ Conlon, Sean (June 5, 2024). "Hanesbrands to sell Champion brand to Authentic Brands in $1.2 billion deal". CNBC. Retrieved June 5, 2024.
39. ^ a b c d "Authentic Brands Group Adds to Portfolio". footwearnews.com. July 30, 2014. Archived from the original on August 4, 2019. Retrieved November 22, 2019.
40. ^ "Aéropostale Consortium Finalizes Acquisition". businesswire.com. September 15, 2016. Archived from the original on August 4, 2019. Retrieved November 22, 2019.
41. ^ "Authentic Brands Partners With Julius Erving to Own and Manage the Dr. J Brand". Women's World Daily. September 27, 2016. Archived from the original on August 4, 2019. Retrieved November 22, 2019.
42. ^ "US retailer Forever 21 bought back from bankruptcy". BBC News. February 20, 2020. Retrieved February 20, 2020.
43. ^ "Authentic Brands Group acquires Frederick's of Hollywood". usfashinnetwork.com. Retrieved November 22, 2019.
44. ^ "Authentic Brands Group acquires majority stake in Frye". us.fashionnetwork.com. Retrieved November 22, 2019.
45. ^ a b c "HMX Group, Authentic Brands Deal Done The deal spins off the operating arm to W Diamond Group". Women's World Daily. December 26, 2012. Archived from the original on August 4, 2019. Retrieved November 22, 2019.
46. ^ "Authentic Brands Group acquires Hervé Léger from Marquee Brands". us.fashionnetwork.com. Archived from the original on August 11, 2018. Retrieved November 22, 2019.
47. ^ "Authentic Brands Group Acquires Jones New York". apparelnews.net. Archived from the original on October 12, 2016. Retrieved November 22, 2019.
48. ^ a b c "Authentic Brands Buys Judith Leiber, Taryn Rose, Adrienne Vittadini". Women's World Daily. November 22, 2019. Archived from the original on September 3, 2019. Retrieved November 22, 2019.
49. ^ "Authentic Brands Group acquires Nautica from VF Corporation". ipso.com. Archived from the original on August 4, 2019. Retrieved November 22, 2019.
50. ^ "Authentic Brands Group Acquires Neil Lane Brand". multichannelmerchant.com. August 11, 2017. Archived from the original on August 4, 2019. Retrieved November 22, 2019.
51. ^ "Authentic Brands Group Acquires Nine West". sgbonline.com. Archived from the original on August 4, 2019. Retrieved November 22, 2019.
52. ^ "Greg Norman signs with brand development and licensing company Authentic Brands Group". ESPN. March 21, 2017. Archived from the original on August 4, 2019. Retrieved November 22, 2019.
53. ^ "Shaquille O'Neal sells rights to future business endeavors". ESPN. December 17, 2015. Archived from the original on August 4, 2019. Retrieved November 22, 2019.
54. ^ "Prince Sports to be Sold to Authentic Brands Group in Bankruptcy Proceedings". sgbonline.com. Archived from the original on August 4, 2019. Retrieved November 22, 2019.
55. ^ "PAuthentic Brands Group Is Acquiring Rockport, Inks Marc Fisher Licensing Deal". Yahoo! Life. Retrieved August 6, 2023.
56. ^ a b "Authentic Brands Group acquires TapouT and Silver Star MMA-apparel companies". mmajunkie.usaatoday.com. September 7, 2010. Archived from the original on August 4, 2019. Retrieved November 22, 2019.
57. ^ "Authentic Brands Acquires Sportcraft Ltd Intellectual Property". sgbonline.com. Archived from the original on August 4, 2019. Retrieved November 22, 2019.
58. ^ "Sports Illustrated Sold To Authentic Brands Group For $110 Million". Deadline.com. May 28, 2019. Archived from the original on October 16, 2019. Retrieved November 22, 2019.
59. ^ "Authentic Brands Group, LLC Completes Purchase of Spyder Active Sports, Inc" (Press release). PR Newswire. Archived from the original on August 4, 2019. Retrieved November 22, 2019.
60. ^ "Ted Baker agrees £211m takeover by Reebok owner Authentic Brands". breakingnews.ie. September 16, 2022. Retrieved August 18, 2019.
61. ^ "Thalía Teams With Authentic Brands Group for Strategic Partnership". Women's Wear Daily. September 28, 2016. Archived from the original on August 4, 2019. Retrieved November 22, 2019.
62. ^ "Authentic Brands moves into home market with Heritage Homes buy". retaildive.com. Archived from the original on August 4, 2019. Retrieved November 22, 2019.
63. ^ "Authentic Brands Group continues to grow with its third acquisition of 2015". campfire-capital.com. June 30, 2015. Archived from the original on August 4, 2019. Retrieved November 22, 2019.
64. ^ "Authentic Brands Group Partners with DSW Inc. to Acquire Camuto Group, Legendary Footwear and Accessories Organization" (Press release). PR Newswire. Archived from the original on August 4, 2019. Retrieved November 22, 2019.
65. ^ "Authentic Brands Group Is Betting On the Skate Market With Volcom". footwearnews.com. April 2, 2019. Archived from the original on August 4, 2019. Retrieved November 22, 2019.

## External links

[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Authentic Brands Group.

* Official website
* Selyukh, Alina (October 30, 2023). "Step into the World of Undead Brands". All Things Considered. NPR. Retrieved October 31, 2023.

* v
* t
* e

Authentic Brands Group

Subsidiaries|

* Aéropostale
* Arrow
* Brooks Brothers
* Eddie Bauer
* Forever 21
* Frederick's of Hollywood
* Frye
* Hart Schaffner Marx
* Hervé Léger
* Hickey Freeman
* Izod
* Juicy Couture
* Lucky Brand Jeans
* Nautica
* Prince
* Reebok
* Rockport
* Sports Illustrated
* Sports Illustrated Kids
* Swimsuit Issue
* Spyder
* Tapout
* Vision Street Wear
* Volcom

Brands|

| Companies|

* Barneys
* Nine West
* Thomasville

|

People|

* Adrienne Vittadini
* Elvis Presley
* Geoffrey Beene
* Greg Norman
* Judith Leiber
* Julius Erving
* Marilyn Monroe
* Muhammad Ali
* Shaquille O'Neal
* Thalía
* Vince Camuto

Major shareholders|

* BlackRock
* General Atlantic
* GIC
* Jamie Salter
* Leonard Green & Partners
* Lion Capital

Key people|

* Jamie Salter (founder & CEO)

Category Commons

* v
* t
* e

Lion Capital LLP

Active|

| Apparel|

* Authentic Brands Group
* AllSaints
* John Varvatos

|

Food and beverage|

* Bumble Bee Foods
* Young's Seafood

Retail|

* Alex and Ani
* Spence Diamonds

Exited|

| Apparel|

* American Apparel
* Jimmy Choo
* La Senza

|

Food and beverage|

* Aryzta
* Findus
* Kettle Foods
* Wagamama
* Weetabix Limited

Personal care|

* Good Hair Day

Retail|

* HEMA

*[Ref.]: Reference
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*[t]: Discuss this template
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