Authentic Acquires Champion, Unveils New Brand Partners
Authentic Adds the Originator of Sweatshirts to its Storied Brand Portfolio in its Second-Largest Acquisition To-Date
Joins Forces with GearCo to Preserve and Expand Champion’s Collegiate Business
Authentic Brands Group (Authentic), a global brand development platform, announces that it has finalized the acquisition of athleticwear icon Champion. As the second-largest brand acquisition in Authentic’s history, Champion generates nearly $3 billion in global retail sales annually. This acquisition enhances Authentic’s position as the largest sports and entertainment licensing company worldwide.
Authentic is set to expand Champion’s global presence by building on its legacy as a trailblazer in athleticwear and the creator of the iconic hoodie. With over 100 years of product innovation, Champion is a brand that resonates with consumers around the world. Under Authentic’s proven model, which focuses on driving long-term brand value and growth, Champion is poised for continued success.
“Champion has set the standard for quality and innovation for over a century,” said Jamie Salter, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Authentic. “This acquisition marks a significant milestone, not just for Champion, but for Authentic as well. With the strong backing of our partners at GearCo, BBC and AMG Companies, we’re in a prime position to accelerate Champion’s growth globally. Together, we’ll honor its rich heritage while driving innovation and expanding its reach to new markets and consumers. We look forward to shaping the future of this iconic brand.”
Under Authentic’s stewardship, Champion’s influence will continue to be a mainstay in athletic culture through a network of best-in-class operating partners worldwide. In particular, Champion’s long-term US collegiate apparel business will be carried forward under a new license granted to GearCo, which will be managed and operated by Ames Watson with Fanatics as an investor.
"Ames Watson is thrilled to partner with Authentic Brands Group to build on Champion's incredible legacy. Our deep expertise in apparel and operations, especially in the collegiate market, makes this a perfect fit. We're excited to leverage our strengths to further elevate the Champion brand," said Tom Ripley and Lawrence Berger, Partners and Co-Founders at Ames Watson.
Ames Watson has extensive experience owning and operating iconic brands, as well as deep retail and manufacturing expertise. Ames Watson plans to maintain the operational infrastructure that has made Champion’s sports apparel division comprised of Gear for Sports, Knights Apparel and Champion Teamwear one of the industry's most successful licensed apparel companies over the past decade.
AMG Companies, a long-standing and trusted partner of Authentic, will manage Champion’s core business in the US and Canada through its affiliates. These affiliates include High Life for activewear, Basic Resources for underwear and sleepwear, USA Legwear for legwear and Fit for Life for fitness accessories. Additional partners in these regions include BBC for footwear and Gildan for printwear. Each partner plays a key role in the next phase of Champion’s journey.
As a globally recognized brand with worldwide appeal, Champion is available in more than 90 countries with nearly half of Champion's business originates from international consumers. Building on this success, Authentic plans to announce additional brand partnerships across new categories and territories, including Europe, Asia, and Australia in the coming months.
“We are proud to welcome Champion to the Authentic family and tap into the brand’s unstoppable spirit," said Nick Woodhouse, President and Chief Brand Officer of Authentic. "As the originator of the sweatshirt and a pioneer in activewear, Champion holds a legendary place in history. With a bold plan for the future, we’re ready to build on that legacy alongside our incredible partners, driving the brand forward and continuing to inspire athletes and active lifestyles for years to come.”
In Central and South America, Falic Group will lead as Champion’s primary partner for apparel and accessories, while IB Group will continue its omnichannel strategy to solidify the brand’s position in the Mexican market. IB Group has been a partner of Champion’s for more than four years, having spent that time building a robust digital and physical presence across wholesale, retail and e-commerce for the brand’s apparel, footwear and accessory lines.
Authentic’s acquisition of Champion is complete, and all agreements become effective as of September 30, 2024.
Ames Watson has released a separate announcement, which can be viewed at PRNewswire.com.
About Authentic Brands Group
Authentic Brands Group (Authentic) is a unified platform that integrates M&A, brand strategy, creativity and digital innovation to unlock the power of its global portfolio. It connects iconic sports, lifestyle, entertainment and media brands with best-in-class partners to optimize long-term value in the marketplace. Generating more than $32 billion in global annual retail sales, Authentic’s brands have an expansive retail footprint in 150 countries, including 13,000-plus freestanding stores and shop-in-shops and 400,000 points of sale.
Authentic’s brand portfolio includes Shaquille O’Neal, David Beckham, Sports Illustrated, Dr. J, Greg Norman, Neil Lane, Thalia, Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, Muhammad Ali, Reebok, Champion, Brooks Brothers, Barneys New York, Judith Leiber Couture, Ted Baker, Hunter, Vince, Hervé Léger, Frye, Nautica, Juicy Couture, Vince Camuto, Lucky Brand, Aéropostale, Forever 21, Nine West, Sperry, Rockport, Eddie Bauer, Boardriders, Quiksilver, Billabong, Roxy, DC Shoes, RVCA, Spyder, Volcom, Prince, Izod, Van Heusen, Hart Schaffner Marx and Thomasville.
For more information, visit authentic.com.
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About Ames Watson
Founded by Lawrence Berger and Tom Ripley in 2018, Ames Watson is a privately held holding company based in Columbia, Md. that purchases, transforms, and partners with companies to create long term value. Ames Watson brings know-how, problem solving, deep resources and experience to grow companies and move them past "inflection points." Ames Watson takes great pride in its partnership approach working closely with management teams to create value.