Laura Ashley Joins Marquee Brands in Strategic Acquisition
Deal News | Jan 03, 2025 | Home of Direct Commerce
Marquee Brands has completed its acquisition of Laura Ashley from Gordon Brothers for an undisclosed amount. As a renowned home, fashion, and lifestyle brand, Laura Ashley's iconic timeless designs have made significant impacts since its founding in 1953. This strategic acquisition is not only keeping the UK-based team intact at Laura Ashley, but it also contributes to Marquee Brands' global expansion plans by establishing its first European headquarters in London. Laura Ashley is present in over 80 countries, with more than 150 branded retail locations around the world. The addition brings Marquee Brands' total retail portfolio value to over $4 billion. Heath Golden, Marquee Brands' CEO, emphasized that Laura Ashley's well-established licensed business model aligns seamlessly with Marquee's strategies, allowing them to capitalize on the brand's legacy to innovate and expand into new markets.
Sectors
- Retail
- Private Equity
Geography
- United Kingdom – Laura Ashley is a UK-based company and the acquisition includes retaining its UK team and establishing Marquee's first European headquarters in London.
- Global – Laura Ashley's products are distributed in more than 80 countries, indicating the brand's international reach and significance in the deal.
Industry
- Retail – Laura Ashley operates within the retail sector, offering a range of home, fashion, and lifestyle products distributed globally.
- Private Equity – Marquee Brands and Gordon Brothers are involved in the acquisition deal, which is a typical activity in the private equity industry.
Financials
- $4+ billion – The total retail value of Marquee Brands' global portfolio after the acquisition of Laura Ashley.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laura Ashley | Target Company | Company | A UK-based home, fashion, and lifestyle brand acquired by Marquee Brands. |
| Marquee Brands | Bidding Company | Company | A brand management company that acquired Laura Ashley to expand its global portfolio. |
| Gordon Brothers | Selling Company | Company | The prior owner of Laura Ashley before the acquisition by Marquee Brands. |
| Heath Golden | CEO of Marquee Brands | Person | The CEO of Marquee Brands, overseeing and commenting on the acquisition. |