Authentic Brands Group

Authentic Brands Group

Asset-light global brand licensing platform

Overview

Authentic Brands Group acquires the intellectual property of established consumer, lifestyle, and entertainment brands and licenses it to manufacturers, distributors, and retailers worldwide. It uses an asset-light model, not owning stores or inventories, and earns royalties and minimum guarantees through multiyear licensing agreements. Its portfolio includes brands across fashion, sports, and entertainment such as Reebok, Brooks Brothers, Forever 21, Juicy Couture, Barneys New York, Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, and Muhammad Ali. Its goal is to grow and monetize iconic brands by strengthening brand identity, marketing, and strategic partnerships rather than running physical retail operations.

About Authentic Brands Group

Simplify's Rating
Why Authentic Brands Group is rated
B-
Rated B on Competitive Edge
Rated B on Growth Potential
Rated C on Differentiation

Industries

Consumer Goods

Entertainment

Company Size

501-1,000

Company Stage

Private

Total Funding

$2.8B

Headquarters

New York City, New York

Founded

2010

Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Lee deepens denim exposure and expands partner-driven licensing opportunities.
  • Dockers adds workwear scale and up to $391 million transaction value.
  • Guess and Reebok extend ABG’s reach into apparel and adjacent categories.

What critics are saying

  • Forever 21 keeps consuming management time and eroding partner confidence.
  • Dockers faces secular decline after Levi Strauss prioritized core DTC denim.
  • ABG depends on financing access; tighter credit would slow acquisitions and growth.

What makes Authentic Brands Group unique

  • ABG buys IP, not stores, preserving capital and maximizing licensing economics.
  • Jamie Salter built ABG from Hilco expertise and celebrity-brand monetization.
  • Its portfolio spans Reebok, Brooks Brothers, Forever 21, and iconic estates.

Help us improve and share your feedback! Did you find this helpful?

Funding

Total Funding

$2.8B

Above

Industry Average

Funded Over

3 Rounds

Secondary funding comparison data is currently unavailable. We're working to provide this information soon!
Secondary Funding Comparison
Coming Soon

Benefits

Flexible Work Hours

Remote Work Options

Paid Vacation

Paid Holidays

Health Insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan

Stock Options

Company Equity

Professional Development Budget

Conference Attendance Budget

Mentorship Program

Wellness Program

Mental Health Support

Phone/Internet Stipend

Home Office Stipend

Company News

AfroTech
Jan 7th, 2026
Kevin Hart Becomes Shareholder In Authentic Brands Group, The Leading Owner Of Sports, Media, Entertainment, And Lifestyle IP - AfroTech

Kevin Hart has just signed a deal to give his brand a stronger global presence.

Reuters
Aug 20th, 2025
Guess to go private in $1.4 billion deal with Authentic Brands, co-founders and CEO

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.
May 21st, 2025
Levi Strauss & Co. Enters into Definitive Agreement to Sell Dockers® to Authentic Brands Group

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

Bisnow
May 8th, 2024
Mall Giant Simon Sells Stake In Retail Partner For $1.45B

Simon reportedly had a 10% stake in Authentic Brands Group.

Women's Wear Daily
Jan 11th, 2024
Authentic Brands Group Acquires Sperry

The company has licensed Aldo Group to be its North American operating partner.

Recently Posted Jobs

Sign up to get curated job recommendations

Authentic Brands Group is Hiring for 7 Jobs on Simplify!

Find jobs on Simplify and start your career today

Don't see your dream role? Check out thousands of other roles on Simplify. Browse all jobs →