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Overview
Authentic Brands Group (ABG) builds a global brand portfolio by acquiring the intellectual property of established brands and licensing them to manufacturers, distributors, and retailers worldwide. Its asset-light model means ABG earns revenue from licensing fees and royalties rather than owning stores or inventories. The company distinguishes itself by owning valuable IP and likeness rights (like Marilyn Monroe and Elvis) and growing through large acquisitions, supported by a network of over 1,900 partners in 150 countries. Its goal is to grow and monetize a wide range of consumer and entertainment brands through long-term licensing deals that provide steady revenue.
About Authentic
Industries
Consumer Goods
Entertainment
Company Size
501-1,000
Company Stage
Private
Total Funding
$2.8B
Headquarters
New York City, New York
Founded
2010
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Lee acquisition extends Authentic's licensing-first turnaround playbook into denim and workwear.
- Over 1,700 partners across 150 countries accelerate global rollout without owned stores.
- Kevin Hart ownership and celebrity estates deepen marketing reach across licensed products.
What critics are saying
- License fragmentation across operators weakens pricing power and brand consistency.
- Take-private deals like Guess distract management from integrating recently acquired brands.
- Reebok and other marquee licenses face replacement at renewal if partners underperform.
What makes Authentic unique
- Authentic buys brand IP, not operating assets, preserving an asset-light model.
- Jamie Salter turned distressed brands into licensed platforms since founding Authentic in 2010.
- More than 50 brands generate $36 billion annual systemwide retail sales globally.
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Funding
Total Funding
$2.8B
Above
Industry Average
Funded Over
3 Rounds
Benefits
Health Insurance
401(k) Retirement Plan
Remote Work Options
Paid Vacation
Flexible Work Hours
Company News
Kevin Hart has just signed a deal to give his brand a stronger global presence.
Guess said on Wednesday it has agreed to be taken private by a group, including its co-founders, CEO and Reebok-owner Authentic Brands, in a deal valuing the designer apparel brand at $1.4 billion, including debt.
Levi Strauss Co. (LSCo.) (NYSE: LEVI) and Authentic Brands Group (Authentic) today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement for LSCo. to sell Dockers® to Authentic for an initial transaction value of $311 million, subject to customary adjustments and closing conditions, with the potential to reach up to $391 million through an $80 million earnout opportunity in future years based on the performance of the Dockers® business under Authentic’s ownership. “The Dockers® transaction further aligns our portfolio with our strategic priorities, focusing on our direct-to-consumer (DTC) first approach, growing our international presence and investing in opportunities across women’s and denim lifestyle,” said Michelle Gass, President and CEO of LSCo. “After a robust process, we are confident that we maximized the value of the business and that Authentic is the right organization to usher in the next chapter of growth for the Dockers® brand. We thank the
Simon reportedly had a 10% stake in Authentic Brands Group.
The company has licensed Aldo Group to be its North American operating partner.
Authentic is Hiring for 16 Jobs on Simplify!
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About Authentic
Industries
Consumer Goods
Entertainment
Company Size
501-1,000
Company Stage
Private
Total Funding
$2.8B
Headquarters
New York City, New York
Founded
2010
Authentic is Hiring for 16 Jobs on Simplify!
Find jobs on Simplify and start your career today