Authentic Brands Group Secures Rockport

Authentic Brands Group (Authentic) has announced the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware has approved the sale transaction of footwear brand, Rockport.  

Rockport has long been recognized as a pioneer in the footwear industry credited as one of the first brands to engineer athletic soles into its dress shoes. With Rockport, Authentic is poised to leverage its brand development and strategic partnerships to propel the Rockport brand forward. 

“Rockport’s core consumer is more active than ever,” says Jamie Salter, founder, chairman, chief executive officer, Authentic. “The brand’s offering is a perfect addition to our portfolio with opportunities for category expansion into apparel, accessories, outerwear, travel and more. There is a significant addressable market, presenting opportunities for the brand to evolve into a full lifestyle offering with a focus on innovation and comfort.” 

In addition, Authentic has signed a long-term licensing agreement with key partner, Marc Fisher Footwear, a fashion footwear company and the U.S. footwear partner for Authentic-owned Nine West, Hunter Boots and Bandolino. Fisher will become the core footwear partner for Rockport in the U.S., taking on the brand’s footwear design, wholesale and e-commerce operations in the territory. 

Related:Authentic Brands Group Acquires Intellectual Property of Hunter

“We are excited to partner with Authentic on Rockport, a brand with great consumer equity,” says Marc Fisher, chief executive officer, Marc Fisher Footwear. “Rockport’s strong connection to its core consumer presents compelling growth opportunities within the men’s footwear market, and we look forward to continuing to build upon its foundation with Authentic.” 

Rockport can be found in various retail channels in more than 60 countries worldwide. Authentic is expected to announce additional partners in the coming months and will leverage its proprietary platform, expertise and global network of best-in-class partners to expand the brand across categories and territories. Upon next month’s closing of Rockport and Boardriders, Authentic’s portfolio will generate more than $29 billion in annual retail sales worldwide.