Marquee Brands acquires Laura Ashley

Marquee Manufacturers, the worldwide model accelerator and proprietor of 17 world-renowned manufacturers, has introduced the strategic acquisition of Laura Ashley^®, the legacy house, vogue and life-style model, from Gordon Brothers.

Based in 1953, Laura Ashley has grow to be synonymous with timeless design, mixing delicate florals, vintage-inspired motifs and distinctive craftsmanship throughout a whole bunch of merchandise and classes.

The strategic acquisition retains Laura Ashley’s UK-based group and expands Marquee Manufacturers’ international footprint with the opening of its first European headquarters in London.

Distributed in additional than 80 international locations by means of main wholesalers, best-in-class digital marketplaces, and over 150 branded retail places globally, the addition of Laura Ashley will increase the retail worth of Marquee Manufacturers’ international portfolio to $4⁺ billion.

“Laura Ashley’s licensed enterprise mannequin and sturdy group of high-quality companions makes the model a seamless addition to Marquee Manufacturers. We’re excited to harness the robust affinity for this iconic model and drive enlargement throughout new platforms and partnerships,” mentioned Heath Golden, CEO of Marquee Manufacturers.

“With the present UK group in place, we’re primed and able to leverage Laura Ashley’s seven-decade legacy to unlock its future potential as a full life-style model innovating new merchandise and classes, providing distinctive collaborations and fascinating multi-generational audiences in key markets worldwide.”

“As a agency that actively invests in and revitalizes iconic manufacturers like Laura Ashley, we acquired the British heritage model out of insolvency in 2020 and constructed a versatile, scalable licensing enterprise and a world e-commerce presence over the past 4 years,” mentioned Tobias Nanda, Head of Manufacturers at Gordon Brothers. “We couldn’t be prouder of Laura Ashley’s development below Carolyn D’Angelo’s management, the previous President of Laura Ashley, and know the model is in the suitable arms for continued international development below Marquee Manufacturers’ management.”

Constructing on its status for scaling iconic manufacturers, Marquee Manufacturers integrates Laura Ashley into its portfolio as a globally acknowledged life-style model with a completely licensed working mannequin spanning the USA, United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea and different main markets throughout Asia.

Laura Ashley operates in additional than 200 life-style classes by means of a community of over 100 licensed companions with merchandise accessible at hundreds of factors of sale. By leveraging its international community, Marquee Manufacturers is poised to deepen Laura Ashley’s presence, driving new enterprise throughout North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific, EMEA and different key areas.

The acquisition of Laura Ashley marks the fruits of a transformative 12 months for Marquee Manufacturers. To help its accelerated development to $4⁺ billion and dedication to rising natural income, Marquee Manufacturers bolstered its government group with the appointments of Rachel Terrace as Chief Business and Development Officer, John Hayes as Chief Monetary Officer, Joseph Zarro as Chief Enterprise Improvement Officer and Natasha Fishman as Chief Advertising Officer.

The addition of trade leaders has been instrumental in shaping Marquee Manufacturers’ upward trajectory. With key management in place, Marquee Manufacturers kicks off 2025 well-positioned to drive enlargement, optimize operational efficiencies and foster sustainable development throughout its increasing portfolio.