US private equity-backed Authentic Brands Group, which owns Reebok and Ted Baker, has completed the acquisition of Wellington boot brand Hunter.
Authentic has snapped up the intellectual property assets of Hunter, following speculation earlier this year about a deal when it was reported the business had “expressed an interest” in acquiring the footwear and lifestyle brand.
The announcement comes as part of Authentic’s “brand-building approach”. It said the acquisition of Hunter “drives Authentic’s strategy of diversifying its portfolio with brands that originate from outside the US”.
Authentic said it will lean into its network of category experts and operating partners to “accelerate the worldwide expansion of Hunter” following the deal.
The company also revealed plans to add additional brand partners to its portfolio, anticipated to be announced “in the coming months”.
Authentic said in a statement that it had appointed product development and design organisation Batra Group and Marc Fisher Footwear as the brand’s “core partners in key regions”.
Batra Group will become the core licensee in both the UK and across continental Europe, taking responsibility for the design and development of Hunter products as well as “operating Hunter’s branded retail stores, wholesale distribution and ecommerce in those territories”.
Marc Fisher Footwear, meanwhile, will become Hunter’s “core footwear partner” in the US.
Authentic chief executive, founder and chair Jamie Salter said: “We are excited to finalise the acquisition of Hunter, an original footwear and outerwear pioneer.
“At the intersection of fashion and outdoor, Hunter introduces another elevated global brand to Authentic’s diverse lifestyle portfolio.
“We are also pleased to expand our relationships with two long-standing Authentic partners, Batra Group and Marc Fisher, each of whom has a proven track record of unparalleled expertise in product development across a range of categories and an established network of prominent retailers.
”We will look forward to working with them and our greater partner network to continue growing the Hunter brand.”
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