Authentic Enters Definitive Agreement to Acquire American Heritage Brand Dockers
Authentic taps longtime partner Centric Brands as Dockers’ operating partner across key lifestyle and performance categories in the US and Canada
Authentic Brands Group (Authentic), a global brand development and licensing platform, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the intellectual property of Dockers from Levi Strauss & Co. The addition of Dockers, an American brand renowned for bringing casualwear into the mainstream, aligns with Authentic’s strategy to grow its portfolio through brands with strong heritage, loyal consumers and global recognition.
Dockers has been a staple in American wardrobes since 1986, known for making khakis and chinos synonymous with everyday style. From iconic campaigns to memorable moments in pop culture, the brand defined an era of casual style and continues to resonate with consumers around the world.
“Dockers is a natural fit for the Authentic model,” said Jamie Salter, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Authentic. “It’s a brand with deep roots, high awareness and a solid foundation in licensing – all things we look for when acquiring new brands. Dockers played a key role in shaping casual workwear as we know it today and we see significant potential to build on that legacy and grow the brand across a variety of categories.”
Coinciding with the transaction, Authentic has signed a licensing agreement with its long-standing partner Centric Brands, which will serve as the operating partner for Dockers across key categories in the US and Canada. Centric will take on sportswear, activewear, kids’ apparel, dress shirts, workwear and performance golf, reinforcing Dockers’ positioning across both lifestyle and functional segments.
Jason Rabin, CEO of Centric Brands, said, "Dockers represents everything we look for in a brand partnership – iconic heritage, consumer loyalty, and growth potential. We’re bringing the same strategic expertise to Dockers that we’ve applied to our successful brand portfolio that includes design, strategic sourcing and an extensive wholesale network. We look forward to the growth of the Dockers brand.”
In line with its proven playbook, Authentic plans to unlock new opportunities for Dockers through its global network of more than 1,700 licensing partners, with a focus on innovation, omnichannel expansion and international growth. The company is in active discussions with regional operators in LATAM, EMEA and SE Asia to transition and scale Dockers’ existing businesses across those markets.
“Few brands own a category the way Dockers does, yet still have so much room to grow,” said Matt Maddox, President at Authentic. “Its legacy in casualwear gives it a strong foundation, but the real opportunity lies in reimagining the brand for a new generation. Through our global platform and deep licensing network, we’re committed to stewarding the brand into its next era of growth and relevance.”
The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to be completed in Q3 2025.
Media Contacts:
Haley Steinberg, hsteinberg@authentic.com
Giana Elenterio, gelenterio@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, repositions 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 400,000 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, 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.
About Centric Brands LLC
Centric Brands LLC is a global leading lifestyle brand collective that has unparalleled expertise in product design, development and sourcing, retail and digital commerce, marketing, and brand building. Centric designs, sources, markets, and sells high-quality products in the kids, men’s and women’s apparel, accessories, beauty, and entertainment categories. The Company’s portfolio includes licenses for more than 100 iconic brands, including Calvin Klein®, Tommy Hilfiger®, Nautica®, and Under Armour® in the kid’s category; Buffalo®, Hervé Léger®, IZOD® and Joe’s Jeans® in the men’s and women’s apparel category; All Saints®, Coach®, Frye®, Hunter®, Kate Spade®, Michael Kors®, and Vince® in the accessories category; and in the Sports & Entertainment category, Disney®, Game 7®, Marvel®, Messi®, Nickelodeon®, and Warner Brothers® among many others. The Company also owns and operates Avirex®, Fiorelli®, Hudson®, Robert Graham®, and Taste Beauty® and operates joint venture brands, Favorite Daughter, Jennifer Fisher, and Preston Lane. The Company’s products are sold through leading mass-market retailers, specialty and department stores, and online. The Company is headquartered in New York City, with U.S. offices in Los Angeles and Greensboro, and international offices in Asia, Europe, Montreal, and Toronto. Centric Brands social impact efforts are centered around our commitment to serve and uplift the communities where we live and do business. Through our collective volunteerism and contributions, we are dedicated to making a caring and lasting impact on the world around us.
For more information about Centric Brands, please visit www.centricbrands.com.