Differential Rebrands After $1.2B GBG Transaction

Differential Brands Group has completed the acquisition of a substantial portion of the Global Brands Group Holding Limited’s North American licensing business and will change its name to Centric Brands to coincide with the close of the transaction.

License Global

October 31, 2018

Differential Rebrands After $1.2B GBG Transaction

The deal,

which was announced last June

, was valued at $1.2 billion. The Centric Brands board will consist of independent directors and appointees selected by Tengram and GSO Capital Partners LP (“GSO Capital Partners”).

Jason Rabin, former president of GBG North America, will serve as chief executive officer of the new entity; while William Sweedler will act as chairman of the board of directors.

The new Centric Brands platform will present an opportunity for the company to add new licenses and company-owned brands to its holdings and will see its members leverage their expertise in the field to design, produce, manage and market a broad array of products.

The company will be headquartered in New York City with offices in Greensboro, N.C., Los Angeles, Calif., and Montreal.

“With the closing of the acquisition and structuring of the new Centric Brands platform, we have brought together best-in-class operating capabilities with a strong portfolio of brands across areas of core expertise including

kids’ wear, women’s and men’s accessories and apparel,” says Sweedler. “Centric Brands looks forward to building its relationship with Li & Fung and its global sourcing networks. As a proven leader with nearly 25 years of industry experience, Jason will be able to seize the opportunities that lie ahead for Centric Brands in an impactful way that drives growth and creates long-term shareholder value.”

Global Brands Group licenses brands including Calvin Klein, Under Armour, Tommy Hilfiger, BCBG, Joe’s, Buffalo David Bitton, Frye, Michael Kors, Kate Spade, All Saints and Cole Haan, and entertainment properties including Disney, Marvel and Nickelodeon, among others.

Upon the closing of the transaction, Tengram and its associated converted all of its holdings of the company’s Series A and Series A-1 convertible preferred stock into the company’s common stock.

The newly formed group will operate across the globe, offering branded products to a variety of consumers across all digital and retail channels.