{{Short description|American brand development and licensing company}} {{Use mdy dates|date=August 2023}} {{Infobox company | name = Authentic Brands Group LLC | logo = Authentic_2024_Logo.jpg | logo_size = | image = | image_size = | image_caption = | type = Private | industry = {{flat list| * entertainment * sports * intellectual property }} | founded = {{start date and age|2010}} | founder = Jamie Salter | hq_location = 1411 Broadway | hq_location_city = New York City | hq_location_country = United States<ref>{{Cite news| last = Weiss| first = Lois| title = Bids are in for Trinity Church cluster| work = New York Post| access-date = January 21, 2020| date = August 19, 2015| url = https://nypost.com/2015/08/19/bids-are-in-for-trinity-church-cluster/}}</ref> | revenue = | owners = {{plainlist| * CVC Capital Partners * HPS Investment Partners * Leonard Green & Partners * General Atlantic }} | subsid = | brands = List of brands | website = {{official URL}} | footnotes = }} '''Authentic Brands Group LLC''' ('''Authentic''') is an American sports, media, entertainment and lifestyle platform headquartered in New York City. Its holdings include various fashion, athletics, and entertainment brands,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Brands |url=https://corporate.authentic.com/brand-portfolio |access-date=2026-03-25 |website=Authentic Brands Group |language=en-US}}</ref> which it licenses to operating partners around the world.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://wwd.com/business-news/mergers-acquisitions/general-atlantic-investment-authentic-brands-group-abg-mergers-acquisition-brand-management-herve-leger-11038037/|title=General Atlantic Makes Investment in Authentic Brands Group|last=Young|first=Vicki M.|date=October 30, 2017|work=WWD|access-date=October 4, 2018|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180927005457/https://wwd.com/business-news/mergers-acquisitions/general-atlantic-investment-authentic-brands-group-abg-mergers-acquisition-brand-management-herve-leger-11038037/ |archive-date=September 27, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Authentic owns more than 50 consumer brands,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://wwd.com/business-news/markets/abgs-nick-woodhouse-on-building-an-influencer-network-1202819003/|title=ABG's Nick Woodhouse on Building an Influencer Network|last=Palmieri|first=Jean E.|date=September 24, 2018|work=WWD|access-date=October 4, 2018|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180927005432/https://wwd.com/business-news/markets/abgs-nick-woodhouse-on-building-an-influencer-network-1202819003/|archive-date=September 27, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> as well as the likeness rights or estates of celebrities, including Muhammad Ali, Elvis Presley, and Marilyn Monroe.
==History==
=== Origins and early work === The company was founded in 2010 by Jamie Salter, a Canadian entrepreneur known for founding, acquiring and building brand companies. Before launching Authentic, Salter co-founded Ride Inc., a snowboard company that became publicly traded on Nasdaq in 1994.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pillay |first=Tharin |date=December 2, 2024 |title=Jamie Salter Buys the Past to Build the Future |url=https://time.com/collections/time100-impact-awards/7335837/jamie-salter-authentic-brands-multibillion-dollar-empire/}}</ref> He later was CEO of Hilco Consumer Capital, a business focused on acquiring and restructuring consumer brands.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 5, 2018 |title=Former Hilco CEO Raises $250 Million in Capital |url=https://www.licenseglobal.com/licensing-resources/former-hilco-ceo-raises-250-million-capital}}</ref>
After leaving Hilco Capital in 2010, Jamie co-founded Authentic Brands Group.The majority of the equity was sold to Leonard Green & Partners, who invested $250 million in the new venture.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/rob-magazine/toronto-native-jamie-salter-rebrands-marilyn-monroe/article4102829/|title=Toronto native Jamie Salter rebrands Marilyn Monroe|work=The Globe and Mail|access-date=May 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161029044801/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/rob-magazine/toronto-native-jamie-salter-rebrands-marilyn-monroe/article4102829/|archive-date=October 29, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> Two of Authentic's first major purchases were the clothing brands Silver Star and Tapout.<ref name=":0" /> In January 2011, Authentic Brands Group acquired rights to the likeness of Marilyn Monroe.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite press release |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/authentic-brands-group-llc-and-neca-inc-acquire-the-intellectual-property-of-marilyn-monroe-llc-113448394.html |title=Authentic Brands Group LLC and NECA Inc. Acquire the Intellectual Property of Marilyn Monroe LLC |publisher=PR Newswire |access-date=November 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804002559/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/authentic-brands-group-llc-and-neca-inc-acquire-the-intellectual-property-of-marilyn-monroe-llc-113448394.html |archive-date=August 4, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pehub.com/2014/05/leonard-green-backed-authentic-brands-to-buy-rest-of-marilyn-monroe/ |title=Leonard-Green Backed Authentic Brands to Buy Rest of Marilyn Monroe |website=pehub.com |date=May 9, 2014 |access-date=November 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804005615/https://www.pehub.com/2014/05/leonard-green-backed-authentic-brands-to-buy-rest-of-marilyn-monroe/ |archive-date=August 4, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== 2010s === In October 2013, Authentic announced the purchase of Juicy Couture from Fifth & Pacific for US$195 million.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/fifthandpacific-juicycouture-sale-idUSL1N0HX0KQ20131007|newspaper=Reuters|date=October 7, 2013|title=UPDATE 1-Fifth & Pacific sells Juicy Couture brand for $195 million|access-date=June 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924185648/http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/10/07/fifthandpacific-juicycouture-sale-idUSL1N0HX0KQ20131007|archive-date=September 24, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> The following month, Authentic 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).<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/elvis-presley-brand-sold-to-authentic-brands-group-1.2434054 |title=Elvis Presley brand sold to Authentic Brands Group |website=cbc.ca |access-date=November 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160704124752/http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/elvis-presley-brand-sold-to-authentic-brands-group-1.2434054 |archive-date=July 4, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://money.cnn.com/2013/11/20/news/elvis-property/index.html|title=Sold! Elvis Presley Inc. has a new owner|last=Yan|first=Sophia|date=November 20, 2013|publisher=CNNMoney |access-date=May 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190528030305/https://money.cnn.com/2013/11/20/news/elvis-property/index.html|archive-date=May 28, 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/9999376|title=Sting like a bee: ABG buys rights to Ali brand|date=November 19, 2013|publisher=ESPN |language=en|access-date=May 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190528030305/http://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/9999376|archive-date=May 28, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2017/music/news/elvis-presley-blade-runner-hologram-graceland-1202529387/|title=Elvis Presley Today: Graceland Proprietor on 'Blade Runner' Cameo, Hologram Plans, Changing Fanbase|last=Halperin|first=Shirley|date=August 16, 2017|website=Variety|language=en|access-date=August 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190806172821/https://variety.com/2017/music/news/elvis-presley-blade-runner-hologram-graceland-1202529387/|archive-date=August 6, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
In December 2015, basketball player Shaquille O'Neal signed with Authentic to manage his likeness and marketing rights.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/14389093|title=Shaq sells rights to future business endeavors|date=December 17, 2015|publisher=ESPN |language=en|access-date=May 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190528030304/http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/14389093|archive-date=May 28, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> In September 2016, Julius Erving also sold his name and licensing rights to Authentic,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/17651611|title=Erving sells majority rights to 'Dr. J' name, image|date=September 27, 2016|publisher=ESPN |language=en|access-date=May 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190528030302/http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/17651611|archive-date=May 28, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> and Aéropostale was purchased out of bankruptcy by a consortium that included Authentic and other investors.<ref name="NotOutOfBusiness">{{cite news | url=http://fortune.com/2016/09/13/aeropostale-bankrupcty/ | title=Aéropostale Won't Go Out of Business After All | work=Fortune | date=September 13, 2016 | access-date=February 10, 2018 | author=Wahba, Phil | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180211190054/http://fortune.com/2016/09/13/aeropostale-bankrupcty/ | archive-date=February 11, 2018 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="ChainStoreAge">{{cite news | url=https://www.chainstoreage.com/article/teen-apparel-retailer-reopens-00-plus-stores/ | title=Teen apparel retailer reopens 500-plus stores | work=Chain Store Age | date=January 11, 2017 | access-date=February 10, 2018 | author=Wilson, Marianne | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180212014946/https://www.chainstoreage.com/article/teen-apparel-retailer-reopens-00-plus-stores/ | archive-date=February 12, 2018 | url-status=dead }}</ref>
In March 2017, Authentic became the controlling partner of Greg Norman's consumer products business.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Liu |first=Jonathan |date=March 21, 2017 |title=Norman has deal with brand licensing firm ABG |url=http://www.espn.com/golf/story/_/id/18965709 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190528030303/http://www.espn.com/golf/story/_/id/18965709 |archive-date=May 28, 2019 |access-date=May 28, 2019 |publisher=ESPN |language=en}}</ref>
In March 2018, Authentic announced that they would acquire Nautica from VF Corporation.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.retaildive.com/news/authentic-brands-snaps-up-nautica-from-vf/519416/|title=Authentic Brands snaps up Nautica from VF|last=Howland|first=Daphne|date=March 19, 2018|work=Retail Dive|access-date=March 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180726044052/https://www.retaildive.com/news/authentic-brands-snaps-up-nautica-from-vf/519416/|archive-date=July 26, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> On June 10, 2018, Authentic announced that it was the winning bidder for the intellectual property of Nine West Holdings.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ninewest-m-a-authentic-brands/authentic-brands-beats-dsw-in-auction-for-nine-west-sources-idUSKBN1J70D9|title=Authentic Brands beats DSW in auction for Nine West: sources|publisher=Reuters|date=June 10, 2018|access-date=September 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180911225436/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ninewest-m-a-authentic-brands/authentic-brands-beats-dsw-in-auction-for-nine-west-sources-idUSKBN1J70D9|archive-date=September 11, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The acquisition was completed on July 3, 2018.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.authenticbrandsgroup.com/news/2018/7/9/abg-completes-the-acquisition-of-nine-west-and-bandolino|title=ABG Completes the Acquisition of Nine West and Bandolino|publisher=Authentic Brands Group|date=July 3, 2018|access-date=September 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180911225237/https://www.authenticbrandsgroup.com/news/2018/7/9/abg-completes-the-acquisition-of-nine-west-and-bandolino|archive-date=September 11, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> On October 10, 2018, Authentic 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.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://wwd.com/business-news/mergers-acquisitions/camuto-group-to-be-acquired-by-abg-dsw-authentic-brands-group-bernard-josephine-chaus-mergers-acquisitions-retail-1202875026/|title=Camuto Group to Be Acquired by ABG, DSW for $375 Million|last=Young|first=Vicki M.|date=October 10, 2018|work=WWD|access-date=October 15, 2018|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181015192358/https://wwd.com/business-news/mergers-acquisitions/camuto-group-to-be-acquired-by-abg-dsw-authentic-brands-group-bernard-josephine-chaus-mergers-acquisitions-retail-1202875026/|archive-date=October 15, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
In May 2019, Authentic announced its acquisition of sports magazine ''Sports Illustrated'' from Meredith Corporation for US$110 million.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://deadline.com/2019/05/sports-illustrated-sold-to-authentic-brands-group-for-110-million-1202622959/|title=Sports Illustrated Sold To Authentic Brands Group For $110 Million|last=Bennett|first=Anita|date=May 28, 2019|work=Deadline Hollywood|language=en|access-date=May 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190528014119/https://deadline.com/2019/05/sports-illustrated-sold-to-authentic-brands-group-for-110-million-1202622959/|archive-date=May 28, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2019/biz/news/sports-illustrated-sale-meredith-authentic-brands-1203226481/|title=Meredith Sells Sports Illustrated to Authentic Brands Group for $110 Million|last=Steinberg|first=Brian|date=May 28, 2019|work=Variety|language=en|access-date=May 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190528135832/https://variety.com/2019/biz/news/sports-illustrated-sale-meredith-authentic-brands-1203226481/|archive-date=May 28, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://nypost.com/2019/06/17/sports-illustrateds-media-operations-just-got-sold-again/|title=Sports Illustrated's media ops are getting a new operator|last=Kelly|first=Keith J.|date=June 17, 2019|newspaper=New York Post|language=en|access-date=June 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190617224533/https://nypost.com/2019/06/17/sports-illustrateds-media-operations-just-got-sold-again/|archive-date=June 17, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> In August 2019, BlackRock became the largest shareholder in Authentic Brands.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gottfried |first1=Miriam |last2=Lombardo |first2=Cara |title=BlackRock Takes Stake in Owner of Sports Illustrated, Nine West |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/blackrock-to-take-stake-in-owner-of-sports-illustrated-nine-west-11565536592?mod=rsswn |access-date=October 1, 2019 |date=August 11, 2019}}</ref>
In April 2019, the Kering group sold the Volcom brand to Authentic Brands Group.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 6, 2018 |title=Kering says decided to sell sport brand Volcom amid focus on luxury |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKCN1HD2J4/ |website=Reuters}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=April 3, 2019 |title=Kering cède Volcom à Authentic Brands Group |url=https://capitalfinance.lesechos.fr/deals-m-a/mid-cap/kering-cede-volcom-a-authentic-brands-group-1006269 |website=Les Echos |language=fr}}</ref>
=== 2020s === In May 2020, Authentic 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.<ref>{{cite news |last1=McNary |first1=Dave |title=Sports Illustrated Studios Launches With 101 Studios for Features, TV Content |url=https://variety.com/2020/film/news/sports-illustrated-studios-101-studios-features-tv-content-1234597467/ |access-date=May 8, 2020 |work=Variety |date=May 5, 2020 |language=en}}</ref>
In August 2020, it was announced that Brooks Brothers was sold to Authentic 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).<ref>{{cite news |last=Maheshwari |first=Sapna |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/12/business/brooks-brothers-sale-authentic-brands.html |title=Bankrupt Brooks Brothers Finds a Buyer. |work=The New York Times |date=August 12, 2020 |access-date=August 12, 2020 }}</ref>
In June 2021, it was announced that Authentic would acquire the Izod, Van Heusen, Arrow, and Geoffrey Beene brands from PVH.<ref name="PVH">{{Cite news |date=June 23, 2021 |work=MarketWatch |title=PVH to sell Izod, Van Heusen and other labels to Authentic Brands in $220 million deal |url=https://www.marketwatch.com/story/pvh-to-sell-izod-van-heusen-and-other-labels-to-authentic-brands-in-220-million-deal-11624457197 |access-date=June 23, 2021}}</ref>
In July 2021, Authentic filed for an estimated US$1.5 billion initial public offering.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-07-06/authentic-brands-files-for-ipo-taking-forever-21-owner-public |title=Authentic Brands Files for IPO Taking Forever 21 Owner Public |publisher=bloomberg.com|date=July 6, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mg21.com/auth.html |title=Authentic Brands Group(AUTH) Files for IPO |publisher=mg21.com|date=July 6, 2021}}</ref> In November 2021, Authentic 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.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Thomas |first1=Lauren |title=Authentic Brands Group shelves IPO, to sell stake in deal that values company at $12.7 billion |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/11/22/authentic-brands-shelves-ipo-to-sell-stake-that-values-company-at-12point7-billion.html |website=CNBC |date=November 22, 2021 |access-date=20 March 2024}}</ref>
In August 2021, it was announced that Authentic 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.<ref name="reebok">{{Cite news |title=Adidas ends Reebok era with $2.5 bln sale to Authentic Brands |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/adidas-sells-reebok-authentic-brands-25-bln-2021-08-12/ |access-date=August 12, 2021 |publisher=Reuters}}</ref> Private equity companies CVC Capital Partners and HPS Investment Partners invested $3.5 billion in Authentic in a deal that closed in November 2021.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gottfried |first1=Matt Grossman and Miriam |title=Authentic Brands Raises $3.5 Billion, Pushes Back IPO |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/authentic-brands-raises-3-5-billion-pushes-back-ipo-11637603145?mod=lead_feature_below_a_pos1 |access-date=November 22, 2021 |work=The Wall Street Journal |date=November 22, 2021}}</ref> Authentic announced they would delay the IPO until 2023 or 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thomas |first=Lauren |date=November 22, 2021 |title=Authentic Brands Group shelves IPO, to sell stake in deal that values company at $12.7 billion |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/11/22/authentic-brands-shelves-ipo-to-sell-stake-that-values-company-at-12point7-billion.html |access-date=April 4, 2022 |publisher=CNBC |language=en}}</ref>
In May 2022, Authentic entered a strategic partnership with David Beckham to co-own and manage the David Beckham brand. Through the acquisition, Authentic also became the largest shareholder in Studio 99, a creative and production studio co-founded by Beckham in 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-02-24 |title=Authentic Brands Group and David Beckham Form Partnership to Build the Future of the David Beckham Brand |url=https://corporate.authentic.com/press-releases/authentic-brands-group-david-beckham-partnership |access-date=2026-03-25 |website=Authentic Brands Group |language=en-US}}</ref>
In April 2023, Authentic 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.<ref name="boardriders">{{Cite web |last=LaFrenz |first=Carrie |date=April 3, 2023 |title=Big names back US group buying Billabong and Quiksilver parent |url=https://www.afr.com/companies/retail/billabong-quiksilver-parent-to-be-sold-to-group-with-star-backers-20230403-p5cxl4 |access-date=April 4, 2023 |website=Australian Financial Review |language=en}}</ref>
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.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Nerkar |first1=Santul |last2=Draper |first2=Kevin |title=For Sports Illustrated, Report About Fake Authors Is Latest Stumble |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/28/business/sports-illustrated-artifical-intelligence.html |website=The New York Times |date=28 November 2023}}</ref> In March 2024, Authentic Brands Group relicensed ''Sports Illustrated'' to Minute Media; the company planned to rehire some of the affected employees.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Darcy |first1=Oliver |last2=Reilly |first2=Liam |title=Sports Illustrated to avert shutdown as it gets a fresh start under new publisher |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/18/media/sports-illustrated-new-publisher/index.html |website=CNN |date=18 March 2024}}</ref>
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.<ref name="Sperry">{{Cite news |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2024/01/11/wolverine-world-wide-sells-sperry-to-authentic-brands-group.html |title=Wolverine World Wide sells Sperry to Authentic Brands Group in shoe retail deal |last=Fonrouge |first=Gabrielle |publisher=CNBC |date=January 11, 2024 |access-date=January 11, 2024}}</ref> In June 2024, Hanesbrands announced plans to sell the Champion brand to Authentic Brands for $1.2 billion.<ref name="champion">{{Cite web |last=Conlon |first=Sean |date=2024-06-05 |title=Hanesbrands to sell Champion brand to Authentic Brands in $1.2 billion deal |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2024/06/05/hanesbrands-to-sell-champion-brand-to-authentic-brands-in-1point2-billion-deal.html |access-date=2024-06-05 |website=CNBC |language=en}}</ref>
In May 2025, Levi Strauss agreed to sell Dockers to Authentic Brands Group for $311 million.<ref name="dockers"/>
In June 2025, Authentic launched its live events division, Authentic Live, to produce in-person events as part of its broader media and marketing operations. In 2025, 65,000 consumers attended its events<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lake |first=Sydney |title=The $1,000 night out: Authentic Live is all-in on Gen Z's obsession with the experience economy, hosting events with celebrities in tentpole moments |url=https://fortune.com/2026/01/26/authentic-live-gen-z-experience-economy-super-bowl-party/ |access-date=2026-03-25 |website=Fortune |language=en}}</ref>
In January 2026, Authentic announced a strategic partnership with comedian and entrepreneur Kevin Hart to co-own and manage the Kevin Hart Brand.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2026-01-06 |title=Kevin Hart Enters Strategic Partnership With Authentic to Scale His Brand and Business Worldwide |url=https://corporate.authentic.com/press-releases/kevin-hart-strategic-partnership-authentic-brands-group-scale-brand-business-worldwide |access-date=2026-03-25 |website=Authentic Brands Group |language=en-US}}</ref> Later that month, Authentic completed the acquisition of a majority stake in fashion brand Guess, valuing the company at approximately $1.4 billion. The transaction made Guess Authentic's second-largest brand after Reebok and increased Authentic's total annual retail sales across its portfolio to about $38 billion globally.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mills |first=Chloe |date=2026-01-23 |title=Authentic Brands Group finalises acquisition of Guess |url=https://www.drapersonline.com/news/authentic-brands-group-finalises-acquisition-of-guess |access-date=2026-01-23 |website=Drapers |language=en}}</ref>
On May 21, 2026, Kontoor Brands announced the sale of Lee Jeans to Authentic for $750 million plus up to $250 million depending on the brand's performance in the future.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://greensboro.com/news/local/business/development/article_3275d543-f3ea-498f-9ca1-62be26364895.html|title=Greensboro's Kontoor to sell Lee jeans for $1 billion|last=Craver|first=Richard|work=News and Record|date=21 May 2026 |language=en}}</ref>
== Portfolio == {|class="wikitable sortable" ! Name ! Type ! Year<br />acquired ! Notes |- | Above the Rim | Clothing brand | 2014 | <ref name="FWN"/> |- | Aéropostale | Clothing retailer | 2016 | Clothing <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160915006663/en/A%C3%A9ropostale-Consortium-Finalizes-Acquisition |title=Aéropostale Consortium Finalizes Acquisition |website=businesswire.com |date=September 15, 2016 |access-date=November 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804001124/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160915006663/en/A%C3%A9ropostale-Consortium-Finalizes-Acquisition |archive-date=August 4, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> |- | Airwalk | Clothing brand | 2014 | <ref name="FWN">{{Cite web |url=https://footwearnews.com/2014/business/retail/authentic-brands-group-adds-to-portfolio-144053/ |title=Authentic Brands Group Adds to Portfolio |website=footwearnews.com |date=July 30, 2014 |access-date=November 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804001059/https://footwearnews.com/2014/business/retail/authentic-brands-group-adds-to-portfolio-144053/ |archive-date=August 4, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> |- | Billabong | Clothing brand | 2023 | <ref name="boardriders" /> |- | {{sort|Ali, Muhammad|Muhammad Ali}} | Personal brand | 2013 | |- | Arrow | Clothing brand | 2021 | <ref name="PVH" /> |- | Bandolino | Luxury fashion | 2018 | |- | Barneys New York | Department store | 2019 | |- | {{sort|Beckham, David|David Beckham}} | Personal brand | 2022 | |- | Brooks Brothers{{efn|Co-owned by Simon Property Group}} | Clothing brand | 2020 | |- | Champion | Clothing brand | 2024 | <ref name="champion"/> |-LMT-CM8 | DC Shoes | Footwear brand | 2023 | <ref name="boardriders" /> |- | Dockers | Clothing brand | 2025 | <ref name="dockers">{{Cite web |last=Fonrouge |first=Gabrielle |date=2025-05-20 |title=Levi Strauss to sell Dockers to brand management firm Authentic Brands Group |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2025/05/20/levi-sells-dockers-to-authentic-brands-group.html |access-date=2025-05-24 |website=CNBC |language=en}}</ref> |- | Drexel | Home | 2018 | |- | Eddie Bauer | Clothing brand | 2021 | |- | Element Skateboards | Skateboard brand | 2023 | <ref name="boardriders" /> |- | Enzo Angiolini | Luxury fashion label | 2018 | |- | {{sort|Erving, Julius|Julius Erving}} | Personal brand | 2016 | <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://wwd.com/fashion-news/fashion-scoops/authentic-brands-partnership-julius-erving-own-and-manage-ip-of-dr-j-brand-10567939/ |title=Authentic Brands Partners With Julius Erving to Own and Manage the Dr. J Brand |website=Women's World Daily |date=September 27, 2016 |access-date=November 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804001100/https://wwd.com/fashion-news/fashion-scoops/authentic-brands-partnership-julius-erving-own-and-manage-ip-of-dr-j-brand-10567939/ |archive-date=August 4, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> |- | First Semester | Luxury fashion label | 2018 | |- | Forever 21 | Clothing brand | 2020 | <ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-51569765|title= US retailer Forever 21 bought back from bankruptcy |publisher= BBC News |date= February 20, 2020 |access-date=February 20, 2020}}</ref> |- | Frederick's of Hollywood | Clothing brand | 2015 | <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://us.fashionnetwork.com/news/Authentic-Brands-Group-acquires-Frederick-s-of-Hollywood,541036.html |title= Authentic Brands Group acquires Frederick's of Hollywood |website=usfashinnetwork.com |date= June 16, 2015 |access-date=November 22, 2019}}</ref> |- | Frye | Luxury fashion label | 2017 | <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://us.fashionnetwork.com/news/Authentic-Brands-Group-acquires-majority-stake-in-Frye,821346.html#.XUYgZPJKiUk |title= Authentic Brands Group acquires majority stake in Frye |website=us.fashionnetwork.com |date= April 27, 2017 |access-date=November 22, 2019}}</ref> |- | Geoffrey Beene | Fashion label | 2021 | <ref name="PVH" /> |- | Greg Norman Shark | Clothing brand | 2017 | |- |Guess |Clothing brand |2026 |<ref>{{Cite web |last=SE |first=FashionNetwork com |date=2026-01-23 |title=Authentic adds Guess to line-up as it links with founders to take it private |url=https://se.fashionnetwork.com/news/Authentic-adds-guess-to-line-up-as-it-links-with-founders-to-take-it-private,1800846.html |access-date=2026-01-23 |website=FashionNetwork.com |language=en-SE}}</ref> |- | Hart Schaffner Marx | Clothing brand | 2012 | <ref name="wwd6553330">{{Cite web |url=https://wwd.com/fashion-news/fashion-scoops/hmx-authentic-deal-done-6553330/ |title=HMX Group, Authentic Brands Deal Done The deal spins off the operating arm to W Diamond Group. |website=Women's World Daily |date=December 26, 2012 |access-date=November 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804001059/https://wwd.com/fashion-news/fashion-scoops/hmx-authentic-deal-done-6553330/ |archive-date=August 4, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> |- | Henredon | Home | 2018 | |- | Hervé Léger | Luxury fashion label | 2017 | <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://us.fashionnetwork.com/news/Authentic-Brands-Group-acquires-Herve-Leger-from-Marquee-Brands,883318.html#.XUYaXvJKiUk |title=Authentic Brands Group acquires Hervé Léger from Marquee Brands |website=us.fashionnetwork.com |date=October 27, 2017 |access-date=November 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180811185558/http://us.fashionnetwork.com/news/Authentic-Brands-Group-acquires-Herve-Leger-from-Marquee-Brands,883318.html#.XUYaXvJKiUk |archive-date=August 11, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> |- | Hickey Freeman | Clothing brand | 2012 | <ref name="wwd6553330"/> |- | Hind | Clothing brand | 2014 | <ref name="FWN"/> |- | Honolua | Clothing brand | 2023 | <ref name="boardriders" /> |- | Izod | Clothing brand | 2021 | <ref name="PVH" /> |- | Jones New York | Luxury fashion label | 2015 | <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.apparelnews.net/news/2015/apr/23/authentic-brands-group-acquires-jones-new-york/ |title=Authentic Brands Group Acquires Jones New York |website=apparelnews.net |access-date=November 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161012231117/http://www.apparelnews.net/news/2015/apr/23/authentic-brands-group-acquires-jones-new-york/ |archive-date=October 12, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> |- | Juicy Couture | Clothing brand | 2013 | |- | {{sort|Leiber, Judith|Judith Leiber}} | Personal brand | 2013 | <ref name="wwd6677860">{{Cite web |url=https://wwd.com/business-news/business-features/authentic-brands-buys-judith-leiber-6677860/ |title=Authentic Brands Buys Judith Leiber, Taryn Rose, Adrienne Vittadini |date=November 22, 2019 |website=Women's World Daily |access-date=November 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190903013253/https://wwd.com/business-news/business-features/authentic-brands-buys-judith-leiber-6677860/ |archive-date=September 3, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> |- |Kevin Hart |Personal brand |2026 |<ref name=":1" /> |- | Lucky Brand Jeans | Clothing brand | 2020 | |- | Misook | Luxury fashion label | 2012 | <ref name="wwd6553330"/> |- | Monarchy | Luxury fashion label | 2012 | |- | {{sort|Monroe, Marilyn|Marilyn Monroe}} | Personal brand | 2010 | |- | Nautica | Clothing brand | 2018 | <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.ispo.com/en/companies/authentic-brands-acquires-nautica-vf-corporation |title=Authentic Brands Group acquires Nautica from VF Corporation |website=ipso.com |access-date=November 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804001109/https://www.ispo.com/en/companies/authentic-brands-acquires-nautica-vf-corporation |archive-date=August 4, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> |- | Neil Lane | Luxury fashion label | 2017 | <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://multichannelmerchant.com/news/authentic-brands-group-acquires-neil-land-brand/ |title=Authentic Brands Group Acquires Neil Lane Brand |website=multichannelmerchant.com |date=August 11, 2017 |access-date=November 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804001111/https://multichannelmerchant.com/news/authentic-brands-group-acquires-neil-land-brand/ |archive-date=August 4, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> |- | Nine West | Clothing and footwear brand | 2018 | <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://sgbonline.com/authentic-brands-group-acquires-nine-west/ |title=Authentic Brands Group Acquires Nine West |website=sgbonline.com |access-date=November 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804001100/https://sgbonline.com/authentic-brands-group-acquires-nine-west/ |archive-date=August 4, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> |- | {{sort|Norman, Greg|Greg Norman}} | Personal brand | 2017 | <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/golf/story/_/id/18965709/greg-norman-sells-licensing-rights-global-marketing-company |title=Greg Norman signs with brand development and licensing company Authentic Brands Group |publisher=ESPN |date=March 21, 2017 |access-date=November 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804001058/https://www.espn.com/golf/story/_/id/18965709/greg-norman-sells-licensing-rights-global-marketing-company |archive-date=August 4, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> |- | {{sort|O'Neal, Shaquille|Shaquille O'Neal}} | Personal brand | 2015 | <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/14389093/shaquille-oneal-sells-rights-future-business-endeavors |title=Shaquille O'Neal sells rights to future business endeavors |publisher=ESPN |date=December 17, 2015 |access-date=November 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804001059/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/14389093/shaquille-oneal-sells-rights-future-business-endeavors |archive-date=August 4, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> |- | Palm Beach | Luxury fashion label | 2012 | |- | {{sort|Presley, Elvis|Elvis Presley}} | Personal brand | 2013 | |- | Prince Sports | Sporting goods manufacturer | 2012 | <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://sgbonline.com/prince-sports-to-be-sold-to-authentic-brands-group-in-bankruptcy-proceedings/ |title=Prince Sports to be Sold to Authentic Brands Group in Bankruptcy Proceedings |website=sgbonline.com |access-date=November 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804001101/https://sgbonline.com/prince-sports-to-be-sold-to-authentic-brands-group-in-bankruptcy-proceedings/ |archive-date=August 4, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> |- | Quiksilver | Clothing brand | 2023 | <ref name="boardriders" /> |- | Reebok | Clothing brand | 2022 | <ref name="reebok" /> |- | Rockport | Footwear brand | 2023 | <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/authentic-brands-group-acquiring-rockport-125545000.html |title=PAuthentic Brands Group Is Acquiring Rockport, Inks Marc Fisher Licensing Deal |date=July 26, 2023 |publisher=Yahoo! Life |access-date=August 6, 2023 }}</ref> |- | Roxy | Women's lifestyle brand | 2023 | <ref name="boardriders" /> |- | RVCA | Clothing brand | 2023 | <ref name="boardriders" /> |- | Sansabelt | Luxury fashion label | 2012 | |- | Silver Star | Clothing brand | 2010 | <ref name="USA201009">{{Cite web |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2010/09/authentic-brands-group-acquires-tapout-and-silver-star-mma-apparel-companies |title=Authentic Brands Group acquires TapouT and Silver Star MMA-apparel companies |website=mmajunkie.usaatoday.com |date=September 7, 2010 |access-date=November 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804001059/https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2010/09/authentic-brands-group-acquires-tapout-and-silver-star-mma-apparel-companies |archive-date=August 4, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> |- | Sole Play | Luxury fashion label | 2018 | |- | Sole Society | Luxury fashion label | 2018 | |- | Sperry | Footwear brand | 2024 | <ref name="Sperry" /> |- | Sportcraft | Clothing brand | 2012 | <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://sgbonline.com/authentic-brands-acquires-sportcraft-ltd-intellectual-property/ |title=Authentic Brands Acquires Sportcraft Ltd Intellectual Property |website=sgbonline.com |access-date=November 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804001058/https://sgbonline.com/authentic-brands-acquires-sportcraft-ltd-intellectual-property/ |archive-date=August 4, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> |- | ''Sports Illustrated'' | Sports magazine | 2019 | <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2019/05/sports-illustrated-sold-to-authentic-brands-group-for-110-million-1202622959/ |title=Sports Illustrated Sold To Authentic Brands Group For $110 Million |website=Deadline Hollywood |date=May 28, 2019 |access-date=November 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191016023113/https://deadline.com/2019/05/sports-illustrated-sold-to-authentic-brands-group-for-110-million-1202622959/ |archive-date=October 16, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> |- | Spyder | Clothing brand | 2013 | <ref>{{Cite press release |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/authentic-brands-group-llc-completes-purchase-of-spyder-active-sports-inc-219918501.html |title=Authentic Brands Group, LLC Completes Purchase of Spyder Active Sports, Inc. |publisher=PR Newswire |access-date=November 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804002603/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/authentic-brands-group-llc-completes-purchase-of-spyder-active-sports-inc-219918501.html |archive-date=August 4, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> |- | Sterling & Hunt | Luxury fashion label | 2012 |- | Tapout | Clothing brand | 2010 | <ref name="USA201009"/> |- | Taryn Rose | Luxury fashion label | 2013 | <ref name="wwd6677860"/> |- | Ted Baker | Luxury fashion label | 2022 | <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.breakingnews.ie/business/ted-baker-agrees-211m-takeover-by-reebok-owner-authentic-brands-1350646.html |title=Ted Baker agrees £211m takeover by Reebok owner Authentic Brands |website=breakingnews.ie |date=September 16, 2022 |access-date=August 18, 2019 }}</ref> |- | Thalía | Personal brand | 2016 | <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://wwd.com/business-news/retail/thalia-teams-with-authentic-brands-group-for-strategic-partnership-10566468/ |title=Thalía Teams With Authentic Brands Group for Strategic Partnership |website=Women's Wear Daily |date=September 28, 2016 |access-date=November 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804001057/https://wwd.com/business-news/retail/thalia-teams-with-authentic-brands-group-for-strategic-partnership-10566468/ |archive-date=August 4, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> |- | Thomasville | Home | 2018 | <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.retaildive.com/news/authentic-brands-moves-into-home-market-with-heritage-homes-buy/540248/ |title=Authentic Brands moves into home market with Heritage Homes buy |website=retaildive.com |access-date=November 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804001059/https://www.retaildive.com/news/authentic-brands-moves-into-home-market-with-heritage-homes-buy/540248/ |archive-date=August 4, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> |- | Tretorn | Luxury fashion label | 2015 | <ref>{{Cite web |url=http://campfire-capital.com/retail-ipo-and-acquisitions/authentic-brands-group-acquires-tretorn/ |title=Authentic Brands Group continues to grow with its third acquisition of 2015. |website=campfire-capital.com |date=June 30, 2015 |access-date=November 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804001058/http://campfire-capital.com/retail-ipo-and-acquisitions/authentic-brands-group-acquires-tretorn/ |archive-date=August 4, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> |- | Van Heusen | Clothing brand | 2021 | <ref name="PVH" /> |- | Vince Camuto | Fashion label | 2018 | <ref>{{Cite press release |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/authentic-brands-group-partners-with-dsw-inc-to-acquire-camuto-group-legendary-footwear-and-accessories-organization-300728333.html |title=Authentic Brands Group Partners with DSW Inc. to Acquire Camuto Group, Legendary Footwear and Accessories Organization |publisher=PR Newswire |access-date=November 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804001058/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/authentic-brands-group-partners-with-dsw-inc-to-acquire-camuto-group-legendary-footwear-and-accessories-organization-300728333.html |archive-date=August 4, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> |- | {{sort|Vittadini, Adrienne|Adrienne Vittadini}} | Personal brand | 2013 | <ref name="wwd6677860"/> |- | Volcom | Lifestyle brand | 2019 | <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://footwearnews.com/2019/business/mergers-acquisitions/authentic-brands-group-volcom-acquisition-kering-1202767129/ |title=Authentic Brands Group Is Betting On the Skate Market With Volcom |website=footwearnews.com |date=April 2, 2019 |access-date=November 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804001058/https://footwearnews.com/2019/business/mergers-acquisitions/authentic-brands-group-volcom-acquisition-kering-1202767129/ |archive-date=August 4, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> |- | Von Zipper | Sports apparel | 2023 | <ref name="boardriders" /> |- | Zooey | Luxury fashion label | 2012 | |}
== See also == * Catalyst Brands
== Notes == {{notelist}}
== References == {{reflist}}
== External links == {{Commons category}} * {{Official website}} * {{Cite news |last=Selyukh |first=Alina |date=30 October 2023 |title=Step into the World of Undead Brands |url=https://www.npr.org/2023/10/30/1209529097/meet-the-vultures-of-retail-the-companies-buying-bankrupt-brands-like-juicy-cout |work=All Things Considered |publisher=NPR |access-date=31 October 2023}}
{{Authentic Brands Group}} {{Lion Capital}}
Category:Authentic Brands Group Category:2010 establishments in New York City Category:American companies established in 2010 Category:Branding companies of the United States Category:Conglomerate companies of the United States Category:CVC Capital Partners companies Category:Marketing companies established in 2010 Category:Privately held companies based in New York City