Marquee Manufacturers, a world model accelerator and proprietor of 17 manufacturers introduced the strategic acquisition of Laura Ashley, a legacy house, trend and life-style model identified for its English aesthetic, from Gordon Brothers. Initially based in 1953, Laura Ashley has turn out to be synonymous with timeless design, mixing delicate florals, vintage-inspired motifs and craftsmanship throughout a whole lot of merchandise and classes.
This strategic acquisition retains Laura Ashley’s UK-based crew and expands Marquee Manufacturers’ international footprint by opening its first European headquarters in London. Distributed in over 80 nations by means of main wholesalers, digital marketplaces, and over 150 branded retail areas globally, the addition of Laura Ashley will increase the retail worth of Marquee Manufacturers’ international portfolio to $4+ billion.
Constructing on its fame for scaling iconic manufacturers, Marquee Manufacturers integrates Laura Ashley into its portfolio as a acknowledged life-style model with a totally licensed working mannequin spanning the US, United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea and different main markets throughout Asia. Laura Ashley operates in additional than 200 life-style classes by means of a community of over 100 licensed companions with merchandise accessible at hundreds of factors of sale. And by using its international community, Marquee Manufacturers is poised to deepen Laura Ashley’s presence, driving new enterprise throughout North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific, EMEA and different key areas.
This acquisition of Laura Ashley marks the fruits of a transformative yr for Marquee Manufacturers. To help its accelerated progress to $4+ billion and dedication to growing natural income, Marquee Manufacturers supported its govt crew with the appointments of Rachel Terrace as Chief Industrial and Progress Officer, John Hayes as Chief Monetary Officer, Joseph Zarro as Chief Enterprise Improvement Officer and Natasha Fishman as Chief Advertising Officer. The addition of trade leaders has been instrumental in shaping Marquee Manufacturers’ upward trajectory. With key management in place, Marquee Manufacturers kicks off 2025 well-positioned to drive enlargement, optimize operational efficiencies and foster sustainable progress throughout its increasing portfolio.
Lincoln Worldwide served because the unique monetary advisor to Gordon Brothers in facilitating the completion of this transaction.
KEY QUOTES:
“Laura Ashley’s licensed enterprise mannequin and sturdy group of high-quality companions makes the model a seamless addition to Marquee Manufacturers. We’re excited to harness the sturdy affinity for this iconic model and drive enlargement throughout new platforms and partnerships. With the present UK crew in place, we’re primed and able to leverage Laura Ashley’s seven-decade legacy to unlock its future potential as a full life-style model innovating new merchandise and classes, providing distinctive collaborations and fascinating multi-generational audiences in key markets worldwide.”
- Heath Golden, CEO of Marquee Manufacturers
“As a agency that actively invests in and revitalizes iconic manufacturers like Laura Ashley, we acquired the British heritage model out of insolvency in 2020 and constructed a versatile, scalable licensing enterprise and a world e-commerce presence over the past 4 years. We couldn’t be prouder of Laura Ashley’s progress underneath Carolyn D’Angelo’s management, the previous President of Laura Ashley, and know the model is in the best palms for continued international progress underneath Marquee Manufacturers’ management.”
- Tobias Nanda, Head of Manufacturers at Gordon Brothers
