Done Deal: Authentic Brands finalizes deal to take Guess private
Guess is starting its next chapter with a new majority owner and without the scrutiny of the public markets.
Authentic Brands Group has completed its transaction to acquire a 51% majority stake in a newly formed company that owns “substantially” all Guess intellectual property. The remaining 49% — as well as 100% of the company’s operations — will be owned by existing shareholders; Maurice and Paul Marciano, who co-founded the company in 1981; Nicolai Marciano; Guess CEO Carlos Alberini; and certain other trusts, foundations and affiliates.
The all-cash transaction, which was announced in August, values Guess at $1.4 billion. With the deal completed, the global fashion brand has gone private for the first time since it debuted on the New York Stock Exchange in 1996.
Current Guess management now owns 100% of the operating company and will continue to run the operating business. Its operations in Switzerland will remain the company’s central hub for design, creative and distribution.
“We see significant potential to enhance the customer experience, strengthen our brand partnerships and and elevate our industry leadership in this new chapter as a private company,” said CEO Alberini. “With Authentic’s support, Guess? will have enhanced flexibility and additional resources to unlock new growth opportunities for our business on the path ahead.”
With $6 billion in global retail-equivalent sales, Guess becomes Authentic Brand’s second largest brand, behind Reebok, which Authentic acquired in 2021.
“Through Authentic’s proven brand-building platform, Guess? will gain access to opportunities and environments where consumers have yet to experience the brand,” said Matt Maddox, president of Authentic. “This includes a scaled platorm to support category and geographic expansion, studio-led content development and immersive live experiences that deepen consumer connections.
As of Nov. 1, Guess directly operated 1,058 stores in Europe, the Americas and Asia. The company’s partners and distributors operated 507 additional stores worldwide.
“I’m incredibly proud of the iconic fashion brand we’ve built over the last 45 years,” said Paul Marciano, who serves as chief creative officer. “Guess? has become a worldwide leader in fashion, and joining Authentic’s outstanding platform, portfolio and track record of success will enable us to build on this incredible foundation and take our brand to the next level.”
Authentic’s portfolio spans more than 50 brands, with more than $38 billion in annual systemwide retail sales. In addition to Guess, its roster includes Reebok, Aéropostale, Eddie Bauer, Lucky Brand, Nine West, Brooks Brothers, Juicy Couture, Vince Camuto, Izod, Van Heusen, Dockers, Ted 70 Baker, Hart Schaffner Marx, Vince and more.
