Authentic Brands Group to Acquire Majority Stake in Guess? Intellectual Property
Authentic Brands Group, a global brand development and licensing platform, today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire a controlling ownership interest in substantially all of the intellectual property of Guess?.
This acquisition marks another significant milestone for Authentic. With approximately $6 billion in global retail-equivalent sales, Guess? will become Authentic’s second-largest brand, bringing its portfolio-wide annual retail sales to $38 billion globally.
Under the transaction structure, Authentic will own a 51% stake in a newly formed entity that will own and license substantially all of Guess?’s intellectual property and assume the vast majority of Guess?’s product licensing agreements. The remaining 49% of this entity will be owned by Guess? Co-Founders Maurice and Paul Marciano, Nicolai Marciano and Guess? CEO Carlos Alberini.
The Guess? operating entity and its subsidiaries will be taken private and be wholly owned by the current management team. The operating company will continue under its existing leadership and structure, preserving the strong teams and global platform behind its success.
“Guess? is a powerhouse brand that has defined style and culture for over 40 years,” said Jamie Salter, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Authentic. “We have tremendous respect for the Marcianos and their team, who have built an innovative, heritage-rich brand with incredible global reach and an established ecosystem of partners. We are excited to build on this legacy in partnership with them as Guess? enters its next chapter within our platform.”
Authentic plans to leverage its global brand platform and partner network to expand Guess? into new categories and territories, while reactivating its legendary archives. This strategic move strengthens Authentic’s presence in Europe, leverages Guess?’s established brick-and-mortar network and supports cross-portfolio growth.
“Guess?’s international scale and market strength create a runway to accelerate Authentic's growth around the world,” said Matt Maddox, President of Authentic. “This acquisition expands our presence in existing markets, opens doors to new ones and builds on a brand platform with a proven record of success.”
Founded in 1981 in Los Angeles, Guess? made its mark with a first-of-its-kind slim-fitting, stonewashed jean. Its iconic blend of European sensibility and California casual reclaimed denim as fashion. The look became synonymous with the brand’s edgy, youthful identity, made instantly recognizable by the Guess? insignia. Today, Guess? is experiencing a renaissance, reigniting nostalgia among longtime fans while attracting Gen Z consumers through secondhand discoveries, archival styles and fresh products.
With headquarters in Lugano and Los Angeles, Guess? operates in approximately 100 countries through a robust global retail and licensing network, including 1,600 stores globally, of which over 1,000 are directly managed.
The transaction is subject to regulatory and other closing conditions, including approval by the holders of a majority of Guess?’s outstanding common stock and a majority of the votes cast by the unaffiliated stockholders of Guess?. It is expected to close in the fourth quarter of Guess?’s 2026 fiscal year. Additional information can be referenced within Guess?’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) at https://www.sec.gov/.
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC is acting as financial advisor and Latham & Watkins LLP is acting as legal counsel to Authentic.
Press Contact
Haley Steinberg
SVP, Global PR & Communications
+814-882-2913
hsteinberg@authentic.com
About Authentic Brands Group
Authentic Brands Group (Authentic) is the world’s leading owner of sports, lifestyle and entertainment intellectual property. It acquires and owns iconic brands, positions them for long-term growth and partners with top-tier operators to scale globally, all while delivering bold storytelling and marketing that brings each brand to life.
Authentic owns more than 50 global brands, generating approximately $32 billion in annual systemwide retail sales. These brands have a significant presence in 150 countries, with more than 29,000 freestanding stores and shop-in-shops, as well as 500,000 points of sale worldwide. Authentic’s portfolio of globally recognized brands includes Shaquille O’Neal, David Beckham, Reebok, Champion, Nautica, Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Sports Illustrated, Eddie Bauer, Aéropostale, Lucky Brand, Nine West, Brooks Brothers, Juicy Couture, Vince Camuto, Dockers, Quiksilver, Billabong, Sperry, Hunter and Ted Baker. Through its joint venture with Saks Global, Authentic Luxury Group (ALG), it drives growth for luxury and accessible luxury brands, including Barneys New York, Judith Leiber, Hervé Léger, Vince, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Saks OFF 5TH.
For more information, visit authentic.com.