US-based licensing giant Marquee Brands has acquired heritage lifestyle and fashion brand Laura Ashley from Gordon Brothers for an undisclosed sum. 

Adding to its portfolio of $4 billion+ 17 “world-renowned” brands, Marquee said UK-based Laura Ashley was a “strategic acquisition” that will see the already-high-profile brand expand its presence further “driving new business across North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific, EMEA and other key regions”, the new owner said.

The acquisition will see the retention of Laura Ashley’s UK-based team while expanding Marquee Brands’ global footprint with the opening of its first European headquarters in London.

Laura Ashley currently operates in more than 200 lifestyle categories through a network of over 100 licensed partners with products available at thousands of points of sale, in the US, UK, Japan, South Korea and other markets across Asia.

Gordon Brothers bought Laura Ashley out of administration in April 2020 after the heritage fashion and interiors business had struggled for a number of years. At the time of the purchase, Gordon Brothers described the brand as “a true giant among British lifestyle brands, possessing a unique ability to span geographies, product categories and price points”.

Just this spring, Laura Ashely embarked on an expansion strategy launching a new 47-piece S/S 24 range into Next stores and online at both Next and Laura Ashley. It had also collaborated with brands including Rag & Bone and Mamas and Papas.

Heath Golden, CEO of Marquee Brands, said: “Laura Ashley’s licensed business model and robust group of high-quality partners makes the brand a seamless addition to Marquee Brands. We are excited to harness the strong affinity for this iconic brand and drive expansion across new platforms and partnerships.

“With the existing UK team in place, we are primed and ready to leverage Laura Ashley’s seven-decade legacy to unlock its future potential as a full lifestyle brand innovating new products and categories, offering unique collaborations and engaging multi-generational audiences in key markets worldwide.”
 
Tobias Nanda, head of Brands at Gordon Brothers, added: “We could not be prouder of Laura Ashley’s growth under Carolyn D’Angelo’s leadership, the former president of Laura Ashley, and know the brand is in the right hands for continued global growth under Marquee Brands’ leadership.”