Authentic Brands Group Completes the Acquisition of Ted Baker
Authentic Brands Group (ABG), a global brand owner, lifestyle, entertainment and marketing platform, today announced that it has completed the acquisition of the distinctive British lifestyle brand Ted Baker.
“We are excited to welcome Ted Baker to the Authentic family,” said Jamie Salter, Founder, Chairman and CEO of ABG. “This uniquely British brand enhances our fashion portfolio and further reinforces ABG’s brand presence in the UK, Europe and the Middle East. The purchase of Ted Baker is in line with our strategic focus on growing and diversifying the portfolio through the acquisitions of brands that originate from outside of the US.”
Founded over three decades ago, Ted Baker has an unwavering focus on quality, design details and modern style. It is recognized as one of the fastest-growing fashion lifestyle brands in the UK, displaying a commitment to its inherent authenticity, exploration and inclusivity. The brand offers a wide range of contemporary designer must-haves and reinvented classics for men and women across a variety of categories and is available in 370 freestanding stores, shop-in-shops and concessions worldwide.
ABG is a diverse and multifaceted platform of consumer verticals, value-driving business models and global brands. For over a decade, ABG has driven significant company and portfolio growth by implementing consistent strategies that connect strong brands with best-in-class licensees and a network of partners. In February, the company opened its London-based European headquarters to establish a dedicated focus on building brand value across EMEA. With the acquisitions of Reebok and the David Beckham brand made earlier this year, and now Ted Baker, ABG’s portfolio of more than 50 lifestyle, entertainment and media brands has reached $24 billion in annual system-wide retail sales with distribution in more than 150 countries.
Following its proven playbook, ABG will leverage its global network of category experts and established operating partners to convert the Ted Baker business into a licensed business model. ABG is in discussions with leading operators in key regions to manage the manufacturing, physical retail, e-commerce and wholesale operations of the Ted Baker business. In keeping with its brand-building approach, ABG will work closely with the Ted Baker team on the management, marketing and evolution of one of Britain’s beloved fashion gems.