Authentic Brands Group explores Lee Jeans acquisition
Reebok owner Authentic Brands Group is reportedly looking at acquiring Lee Jeans, which is being divested by its current owner, Kontoor Brands.
Kontoor, which was spun off from VF Corporation in 2019, announced last week that it was looking to divest denim brand Lee, which is projected to achieve sales of $750 million.
Sources told WWD that Authentic is the primary party in the sale and is currently holding exclusive negotiations with Kontoor.
The two companies are still in the midst of negotiations, according to WWD's source, although the talks have not yet focused on a final selling price.
The sales process is said to be very much ongoing, although observers expect Lee to eventually be acquired by Authentic.
Authentic, which also owns Brooks Brothers, Juicy Couture, Ted Baker, Quiksilver and Sperry, clearly has an appetite for adding more heritage brands to its portfolio. This is also the second time this year that Authentic has been linked to a potential acquisition, with rumours in April suggesting it was looking into acquiring Converse.
In 2025, Authentic also acquired Dockers from Levi’s for $311 million (£232 million), after snapping up US heritage sportswear giant Champion in 2024, British heritage brand Hunter in 2023 and, in 2022, Reebok from Adidas.
Kontoor Brands declined to comment. TheIndustry.fashion has contacted Authentic for comment.
