LK Bennett set for global lifestyle expansion under new licensing agreement
Gordon Brothers is repositioning LK Bennett as a global lifestyle brand through a partnership with IMG Licensing, following its £4 million acquisition of the British fashion label’s brand and intellectual property in January.
IMG Licensing will act as LK Bennett’s global licensing agency, identifying partners and supporting extensions into fashion, home, accessories, beauty and other lifestyle categories, expanding the brand beyond its traditional womenswear offer.
LK Bennett's website currently reads that a full website and new collection will be arriving soon.
Gordon Brothers said broader category and geographic expansion would roll out over the coming years, with opportunities pursued through IMG’s network of licensing partners. Meanwhile, licensing opportunities will be introduced immediately, with the first products expected to launch in 2027.
"LK Bennett is a brand with a rich history, strong consumer recognition and tremendous growth potential," Carolyn D'Angelo, Senior Managing Director and Head of Brand Operations at Gordon Brothers.
"Our partnership with IMG Licensing represents an exciting opportunity to reimagine LK Bennett for today's consumer and introduce the brand to new audiences around the world. By combining IMG's global reach and licensing expertise with Gordon Brothers' proven approach to brand revitalization, we are creating a platform for long-term growth across multiple lifestyle categories."
Asset-light model replaces owned stores
Gordon Brothers said that while it will prioritise licensing, it will also look to strengthen relationships with retailers and invest in product development and marketing, rather than rebuilding the brand's former store network. The approach follows its work with Laura Ashley, a brand Gordon Brothers owned until selling it to Marquee Brands in January 2025.
LK Bennett fell into administration twice in the last six years
After LK Bennett entered administration for the second time in six years, Gordon Brothers acquired its global brand and associated intellectual property assets, but not its nine standalone stores and 13 concessions.
The separation marked a shift away from LK Bennett’s previous retail-led structure. Founded by Linda Bennett in 1990, the brand began with a boutique in Wimbledon and at its peak operated more than 200 branded outlets across the UK, US, China and Russia.
Before entering administration for the second time, the business had scaled back to nine UK stores and around 13 concessions, employing approximately 280 people. Its offering spanned ready-to-wear collections, shoes, bags and accessories, and it had built a high-profile customer base that included the Princess of Wales. However, LK Bennett remained loss-making, recording turnover of £42.1 million and a post-tax loss of £3.5 million for the year ended 27 January 2024.
The company had been owned by Byland UK since 2019, following an earlier insolvency process. A search for a new buyer began in late 2025, with NEXT reportedly another early contender.
LK Bennett’s standalone stores closed in April, while its concessions remained open for a short period. The closures put 89 jobs at risk.
According to recent filings with Companies House, Gordon Brothers is expected to receive around £3 million in for consultancy and stock-clearance fees connected with the administration process, equivalent to 75% of its acquisition price.
