Authentic Brands Group announced on November 3, 2026, the completed acquisition of the intellectual property of Lee from Kontoor Brands, Inc. (NYSE:KTB), alongside the signing of regional operating partners to grow the brand through a licensing model.

Key Highlights

  • Acquisition closed: Authentic Brands Group completed its purchase of the Lee intellectual property from Kontoor Brands, Inc. (NYSE:KTB).
  • Original agreement: Authentic signed a definitive agreement to acquire the Lee intellectual property in May.
  • Brand scale: Lee generates approximately $1.5 billion in annual retail-equivalent sales across 73 countries, according to the filing.
  • International reach: Nearly 40% of Lee's annual retail-equivalent sales come from outside the U.S. and Canada, the filing disclosed.
  • Four regional partners signed: One Jeanswear Group (U.S. and Canada), Experience Group (Europe), HiMaxx (China's mainland, Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR), and Union Group (Mexico).
  • Brand heritage: Lee was founded in 1889 and is described in the filing as one of the most recognized names in global denim.

Authentic Brands Group Folds Lee Into Its Licensing Platform After Kontoor Brands Deal Closes

According to the filing, Authentic Brands Group completed the acquisition of the intellectual property of Lee from Kontoor Brands, Inc. (NYSE:KTB) on November 3, 2026. The definitive agreement had been signed in May, and the intervening period was used to establish a network of regional apparel operating partners who will grow the Lee brand through Authentic's licensing model. Authentic described itself in the filing as "a global lifestyle and entertainment platform" that owns and invests in intellectual property and cultural assets, with more than 1,700 licensees and strategic partners across 150 countries.

The filing identifies four apparel partners signed to date: One Jeanswear Group covering the U.S. and Canada, Experience Group covering Europe, HiMaxx covering China's mainland, Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR, and Union Group covering Mexico. According to the disclosure, these partners are expected to contribute regional market knowledge and capabilities in product development, sourcing, and distribution. Additional licensees from Authentic's global network are expected to expand Lee into adjacent categories, including activewear, workwear, and lifestyle offerings that the filing describes as building on "the brand's heritage of denim craftsmanship, innovation and authentic American style."

The filing states that Lee was founded in 1889 and generates approximately $1.5 billion in annual retail-equivalent sales across 73 countries, with nearly 40% of that volume originating outside the U.S. and Canada. Jamie Salter, Founder and Executive Chairman of Authentic, is quoted in the filing as saying Lee has "the heritage, recognition and consumer loyalty we look for in a brand." The filing also notes that Authentic's broader portfolio drives more than $38 billion in annual systemwide sales worldwide and spans more than 50 brands.

What Was Disclosed

Authentic Brands Group disclosed the completed acquisition of the Lee intellectual property from Kontoor Brands, Inc. (NYSE:KTB), the signing of four regional licensing partners, and details on Lee's scale of approximately $1.5 billion in annual retail-equivalent sales across 73 countries.