Lyle & Scott announces footwear licensing agreement with UFG

Heritage British menswear brand Lyle & Scott has today announced a new strategic licensing partnership with Dutch company Unlimited Footwear Group (UFG) to design, produce and distribute all upcoming branded Lyle & Scott footwear collections.

The first collection, which will be distributed throughout the UK, the entire European Union, Switzerland, Scandinavia and the US, is for SS23, and covers men’s, women’s and children’s footwear bearing Lyle & Scott’s signature yellow eagle branding.

The dedicated Lyle & Scott footwear team will operate from Utrecht, the Netherlands, through UFG's The Heritage Footwear Company division, with plans to launch two collections a year at a mid-price level.

Ben Gunn, Brand Director at Lyle & Scott, said: “Our partnership with UFG is a huge step forward for our brand, within footwear but also more generally. Our customer is passionate, be that about football, golf or the clothes they wear.

“Over the last 30 years, UFG has developed a truly global audience, working with some amazing brands in the footwear industry and we are hugely proud to have them as our partners.”

UFG has a diverse portfolio of own brands, such as Bullboxer, Rehab and Gaastra, and licensed brands including Gap, Paul Frank, G-Star, Björn Borg, Levi’s and Supertrash. The company also works with multi-brand fashion retailers, private labels, and licensing partners around the world.

Bart van Helvoirt, CEO of UFG, commented: “Lyle & Scott has a unique positioning in the market, and is a strong brand known for its craftsmanship and heritage. We are delighted to share the news of adding this great brand to our portfolio.

“UFG sees a very strong potential globally for Lyle & Scott footwear and aims to have the brand benefit from UFG’s 30 plus years expertise and international network. We are looking forward to a great collaboration with the Lyle & Scott team for the further expansion and awareness of the Lyle & Scott brand.”