US’ Guess? taken private as Authentic buys majority IP stake

Authentic Brands Group (Authentic), a global brand development and licensing platform, and Guess?, Inc. (NYSE: GES) announced they have completed the transaction to take Guess? private. Authentic now owns 51% of substantially all Guess? intellectual property, and existing Guess? shareholders, Maurice Marciano, Paul Marciano, Nicolai Marciano and Carlos Alberini and certain of their respective trusts, foundations and affiliates (collectively, the “Rolling Shareholders”), now own 49% of all Guess? intellectual property. With $6 billion in global retail-equivalent sales, Guess? becomes Authentic’s second-largest brand, bringing its portfolio-wide annual retail sales to $38 billion globally.

Current Guess? management now owns 100% of the operating company and will continue to run the operating business. Guess?’s operations in Switzerland will continue to serve as a central hub guiding the global strategic and commercial direction across design, creative and distribution. Maintaining this link to the brand’s roots ensures continuity of Guess?’s brand identity and cultural relevance as its legacy evolves and expands.

Authentic Brands Group and Guess?, Inc have completed a deal to take Guess? private.
Authentic now owns 51 per cent of Guess? intellectual property, with existing shareholders holding 49 per cent.
Guess? becomes Authentic’s second-largest brand, with $6 billion in global retail-equivalent sales, while current management retains full control of operations.

“What makes Guess? compelling is the strength of the foundation already in place, from its exceptional leadership and iconic heritage to its vast network of licensing partners around the world,” said Jamie Salter, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Authentic. “Guess? is one of the rare global brands that has built extraordinary awareness and continued to evolve while staying true to its DNA. The brand’s legacy and the perseverance behind it are a true credit to Paul, Maurice and the entire Guess? team, and we’re honored to partner with them to accelerate this next phase of growth.”

“I’m incredibly proud of the iconic fashion brand we’ve built over the last 45 years,” said Paul Marciano, Guess? Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer. “Guess? has become a worldwide leader in fashion, and joining Authentic’s outstanding platform, portfolio and track record of success will enable us to build on this incredible foundation and take our brand to the next level. I am grateful to our world-class team members and our licensee partners for their hard work and dedication and look forward to working with Jamie and the Authentic team as we continue delivering premium products to our customers around the world.”

Matt Maddox, President of Authentic, stated, “Through Authentic’s proven brand-building platform, Guess? will gain access to opportunities and environments where consumers have yet to experience the brand. This includes a scaled platform to support category and geographic expansion, studio-led content development and immersive live experiences that deepen consumer connection. This is an exciting time to be part of Authentic, and we are thrilled to welcome Guess? to our portfolio.”

“We see significant potential to enhance the customer experience, strengthen our brand partnerships and elevate our industry leadership in this new chapter as a private company,” said Carlos Alberini, Guess? Chief Executive Officer. “With Authentic’s support, Guess? will have enhanced flexibility and additional resources to unlock new growth opportunities for our business on the path ahead. I am very excited to work with Authentic, Paul, Maurice, Nicolai and our entire team to accelerate our momentum and pursue the optimization of our model with creativity, passion and innovation.”