Companies

Authentic Brands Group acquires Rockport

Jul 27, 2023 United States

The New York-based brand management company announced that it has received bankruptcy court approval to acquire the footwear brand Rockport, which had filed for Chapter 11 in June

Authentic Brands Group (ABG) reported that the District of Delaware has approved the sale of Rockport, thus rescuing the footwear company from bankruptcy; the sum has not been disclosed. This transaction will allow ABG to expand its portfolio with a heritage footwear brand, long “recognized as a pioneer in the footwear industry”, and “credited as one of the first brands to engineer athletic soles into its dress shoes”.

“Rockport's core consumer is more active than ever”, underlined Jamie Salter, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Authentic. Therefore, he believes that “the brand's offering is a perfect addition to our portfolio with opportunities for category expansion into apparel, accessories, outerwear, travel and more”. “There is a significant addressable market, presenting opportunities for the brand to evolve into a full lifestyle offering with a focus on innovation and comfort”, he concluded.

In addition, ABG has inked a long-term licensing agreement with Marc Fisher Footwear to oversee design, wholesale, and e-commerce for Rockport in the US. The company already works with several brands in Authentic's portfolio, such as Nine West, Hunter Boots and Bandolino.

“We are excited to partner with Authentic on Rockport, a brand with great consumer equity. Rockport's strong connection to its core consumer presents compelling growth opportunities within the men's footwear market and, we look forward to continuing to build upon its foundation with Authentic”, said Marc Fisher, CEO of Marc Fisher Footwear.

Image Credits: rockport.com.au

United States ABG Acquisitions Authentic Brands Group Footwear