Authentic Brands to Acquire Majority Stake in Guess?
Slice of Retail Team
08/29/2025
Key highlights
- Authentic to acquire 51% of Guess?’s intellectual property
- Guess? becomes Authentic’s second-largest brand
- Deal adds $6B in retail-equivalent sales, raising total to $38B
- Guess? operating entity to be taken private by current leadership
- Expansion plans include new categories and global markets
Source: Direct
Notable Quotes
“ Guess? is a powerhouse brand that has defined style and culture for over 40 years. ”
Jamie Salter, Founder, Chairman & CEO at Authentic
“ Guess?’s international scale and market strength create a runway to accelerate Authentic's growth around the world. ”
Matt Maddox, President at Authentic
Why This Matters
This acquisition signals a pivotal moment in the fashion and licensing industries, underscoring Authentic Brands Group's strategy to expand its global brand ecosystem by integrating established, high-value fashion names. Guess?'s legacy, combined with Authentic’s vast platform, promises to unlock new revenue streams through expanded licensing, category growth, and geographic reach. This deal not only strengthens Authentic’s retail presence in Europe but also secures long-term brand vitality for Guess?, tapping into both heritage appeal and emerging consumer markets.
