The partnership between Authentic and General Atlantic aims to fuel worldwide growth and accelerate the brand owner’s ability to connect strong brands with dynamic partners and a global network of operators, distributors, and retailers to optimise marketplace value.
General Atlantic first joined forces with Authentic in October 2017, and this latest investment brings its total invested capital in the company to nearly $2bn.
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By GlobalDataAuthentic CEO, founder and chairman Jamie Salter expressed his confidence in the increased investment from General Atlantic and said: “General Atlantic takes an innovative investment approach and shares our vision for building brand value for the long term.”
Since General Atlantic’s initial investment, Authentic has executed nearly 30 brand acquisitions and diversified its platform through new verticals, including media, outdoor, events and experiences, and most recently, studios.
Andrew Crawford, managing director and global head of consumer at General Atlantic shared his pride in the long-term partnership with Authentic and its significant growth.
He said: “Over the past six years of our work together, Authentic has significantly accelerated its growth by capitalising on meaningful M&A opportunities, expanding into key markets and building a deeply experienced management team. Looking ahead, we believe Authentic is positioned for continued diversification across categories, license partners, geographies and distribution channels, with immense whitespace in digital and e-commerce particularly.”
With a portfolio of over 40 iconic brands, Authentic is said to generate more than $25bn in global annual retail sales. The company is also said to have an extensive retail footprint in 150 countries, including over 10,800 freestanding stores and shop-in-shops, and reaches 380,000 points of sale.
In 2022, Authentic formed a strategic partnership with David Beckham to co-own and manage his global brand.
It also acquired sports brand Reebok in its largest acquisition to date, and finalised the acquisition of British lifestyle brand Ted Baker to expand its presence in the UK, Europe, and the Middle East.
In recent months, Authentic has acquired the intellectual property of luxury lifestyle brand Vince and outdoor lifestyle brand Hunter, as well as signed an agreement to purchase active lifestyle company Boardriders.
The company has also launched Authentic Studios, a full-service production studio featuring four distinct labels, including Shaquille O’Neal’s Jersey Legends, David Beckham’s Studio 99, Sports Illustrated Studios, and Authentic Productions.
In addition to General Atlantic, Authentic’s other significant shareholders include BlackRock, CVC Capital Partners, Simon Property Group, HPS Investment Partners, Leonard Green & Partners, and Brookfield.
