Marquee Brands snaps up Stance socks in latest acquisition

Ben Sherman and Laura Ashley owner Marquee Brands, which opened a new UK headquarters in Hammersmith in London last summer - to add to its main New York HQ - has acquired California lifestyle and performance sock company Stance.

Marking the ownership of its 19th brand, the “strategic acquisition” comes at the same time as Marquee has agreed a new partnership with United Legwear and Apparel Co. (ULAC), which has now become Stance’s global licensee, managing operations across all territories apart from China.

With products sold in 42 countries, and through more than 1,100 US wholesale accounts, e-commerce, international distributors and mono-branded retail stores, ULAC will oversee Stance’s core product segments of socks and underwear across men’s, women’s and children’s.

ULAC will also lead product design, development, retail and e-commerce operations and distribution.

Heath Golden, CEO of Marquee Brands, said: "We are thrilled to welcome Stance into the portfolio as an established cultural touchpoint known for bold design, creativity and collaborations with athletes, musicians and artists.

"We are incredibly excited to build on that momentum in partnership with United Legwear, an industry and category leader. Together we see an opportunity to build global scale, accelerate category expansion and advance our shared strategy of investing in high equity brands with enduring consumer relevance."

Recognised for redefining the sock category, Stance, which was founded in San Clemente, California, in 2009, has built a loyal following through its premium quality, material innovation and exceptional design.

Stance’s collection line-up includes longstanding partnerships with the NBA, MLB, Disney, Marvel and Star Wars, and it has had collaborations with artists and athletes including singer Billie Eilish and former professional basketball player Dwyane Wade.

Isaac E. Ash, founder, CEO and President of ULAC, added: "ULAC partners on brands that share our drive to innovate and inspire.

"Stance is a perfect fit - a pioneering brand that transformed everyday essentials into expressions of style, and has built an impressive following through bold design, cultural storytelling and a community of athletes and artists. ULAC is excited to partner with Marquee Brands and continue that legacy."

Marquee’s acquisition of Stance establishes the company's foothold in the everyday essentials space and extends its reach across the lifestyle category - bringing total portfolio retail sales to $4.5 billion.

ULAC was founded in 1998 and holds distribution partnerships with Scotch & Soda, Hurley and Ted Baker. The company is also a licensee for brands including Puma, Skechers, Van Heusen, DKNY, Levi’s, Champion, Prince and Arrow.