LION CAPITAL TAKES MINORITY STAKE IN AUTHENTIC BRANDS GROUP

by Brian Lipton

Authentic Brands Group

Lion Capital LLP a consumer-focused investment firm has signed a definitive agreement to acquire a minority interest in Authentic Brands Group LLC from some of its existing shareholders. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Headquartered in New York City, ABG’s current brand portfolio includes more than 23 world-renowned brands, including Hickey Freeman, Hart Schaffner Marx, Tapout and Spyder. It was founded in 2010 and is a portfolio company of Leonard Green & Partners, L.P. LGP and Jamie Salter will remain the majority owners of ABG upon completion of the Lion transaction.

Meanwhile, Lion Captial, which has offices in Los Angeles and London, is known for their international expertise with such fashion brands as John Varvatos and All Saints.

“We are extremely fortunate to have LGP as our partner and we are thrilled to add Lion Capital as our newest partner alongside LGP,” said Jamie Salter, chairman and CEO, Authentic Brands Group.

“After spending time with Jamie and the ABG team, I have gained a tremendous respect for the platform the ABG team has built,” said Lyndon Lea, partner, Lion Capital. “Jamie and I saw appealing synergies between ABG and Lion Capital, and our investment represents an exciting next step for the development of ABG.”