Levi Strauss & Co. announced that it will sell its Dockers brand to Authentic Brands Group for US $ 311 million, with the total deal value potentially rising to US $ 391 million based on future brand performance. The sale, pending standard closing conditions, will be completed in two stages, the first one by 31st July 2025, covering US and Canadian operations, and the second one by 31st January 2026.
The decision underlines Levi’s strategic focus toward strengthening its core operations, with an importance on its direct-to-consumer (DTC) model, worldwide growth, and expansion in women’s and denim lifestyle segments.
Authentic, a global leader in brand management and licensing, will collaborate with Centric Brands to administer Dockers’ North American operations, such as active wear, sportswear, golf wear, and children’s apparel. The company also aims to spread out the brand’s footprint in global markets.
Founded in 1986, Dockers rose to prominence for its business-casual style, but its sales have declined in recent years amid shifting norms pertaining to workplace dress and enlarged remote work.
Levi Strauss plans to return approximately US $ 100 million of the proceeds to shareholders through share buybacks, as it also looks to scale Beyond Yoga, a brand it acquired in 2021.
