Aiming at portfolio diversification and increasing their global outreach, American holding company, Marquee Brands has acquired renowned British fashion and lifestyle brand Laura Ashley from global asset experts Gordon Brothers.
Marquee, the leading brand management and licensing company, aims to enhance their existing portfolio with the addition of Laura Ashley’s floral aesthetic and vintage-inspired designs. This acquisition significantly strengthens the company’s total retail value making its portfolio worth US $ 4 billion.
Marquee Brands plans to leverage its global network to expand Laura Ashley’s reach into new markets, including North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific, and EMEA. The company will also retain Laura Ashley’s existing UK-based team and establish its first European headquarters in London.
The Marquee Brands currently holds the intellectual property of brands including Ben Sherman, Martha Stewart, Emeril Lagasse, Sur La Table, Motherhood Maternity, A Pea in the Pod, Dakine, Body Glove, BCBG Max Azria, BCB Generation, and Bruno Magli.
CEO Heath Golden has told Fashion Network that Marquee is excited to leverage the massive global presence of Laura Ashley and work on further expansion of the brand by introducing ‘product innovation, strategic collaborations, and engaging experiences’ to engage and connect with the younger generations.
Gordon Brothers acquired Laura Ashley out of insolvency in 2020 and successfully revitalized the brand, developing a robust licensing business and expanding its global e-commerce presence.
This acquisition follows a period of significant growth for Marquee Brands, with recent key appointments to its executive team further strengthening its leadership and driving expansion across its portfolio.
