US-based brand development company Marquee Brands has acquired British home and lifestyle brand Laura Ashley from Gordon Brothers for an undisclosed sum.
The strategic acquisition strategy includes retaining Laura Ashley’s UK-based team and establishing Marquee Brands’ first European headquarters in London.
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The acquisition increases Marquee Brands’ retail portfolio value to more than $4bn.
Established in 1953, Laura Ashley integrates intricate florals and vintage-inspired patterns across a range of products and categories.
The brand distributes its products in more than 80 countries through wholesalers, digital marketplaces and a network of 150 branded retail outlets worldwide.
Marquee Brands CEO Heath Golden said: “Laura Ashley’s licensed business model and robust group of high-quality partners make the brand a seamless addition to Marquee Brands. We are excited to harness the strong affinity for this iconic brand and drive expansion across new platforms and partnerships.
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By GlobalData“With the existing UK team in place, we are primed and ready to leverage Laura Ashley’s seven-decade legacy to unlock its future potential as a full lifestyle brand innovating new products and categories, offering unique collaborations and engaging multi-generational audiences in key markets worldwide.”
Laura Ashley will join Marquee Brands’ line-up as a globally recognised lifestyle brand with a comprehensive licensed operating model that extends across multiple key markets including the UK, the US, Japan, South Korea and various regions in Asia.
The brand currently operates within more than 200 lifestyle categories via a partnership network exceeding 100 licensees and is available at thousands of retail locations.
Marquee Brands is set to leverage its extensive global network to amplify Laura Ashley’s market presence and drive growth across regions including North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific and EMEA (Europe, the Middle East and Africa).
The acquisition signifies a pivotal moment for Marquee Brands following a year marked by transformation.
To support its rapid growth trajectory and focus on organic revenue generation, it has strengthened its leadership team with key executive appointments including Rachel Terrace as chief commercial and growth officer, John Hayes as chief financial officer, Joseph Zarro as chief business development officer and Natasha Fishman as chief marketing officer.
The company enters 2025 ready to drive expansion, enhance operational efficiencies and promote sustainable growth throughout its expanding portfolio.
Lincoln International acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Gordon Brothers during the transaction process.
