Authentic Brands targets early 2027 IPO

Authentic Brands Group is preparing for a potential initial public offering (IPO) in early 2027, with CEO Matt Maddox telling Bloomberg that the company is ready to begin the process.

The US-based brand management group, founded by Jamie Salter in 2010, owns or controls a broad portfolio of fashion, retail and entertainment brands, with its intellectual property valued at around 10 billion dollars.

Salter had already hinted at plans for an IPO earlier this year, after noting that the company had already attempted to go public twice, but had been “bought out for way more than we were going public for”. At the time, Salter said Authentic would pursue an IPO once its five-year goal of reaching 100 billion dollars in sales was accomplished.

Fashion accounts for around 80 percent of Authentic’s revenue, with brands in its portfolio including Reebok, Champion, Forever 21, Guess, Nautica, Vince and Quiksilver, alongside retailers such as Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman.

Authentic acquired Lee from Kontoor Brands for one billion dollars earlier this year in a deal that forms part of its strategy to expand its portfolio and reach the annual retail sales goal. The group currently has more than 50 companies in its portfolio, generating over 32 billion dollars in annual sales.

Maddox said Authentic’s systems, staff and strategy were in place for a public listing, which would mark a significant shift for the privately held brand owner. The group further expects its 10 billion dollars intellectual property portfolio to double over the next two years.

“Our systems are in place. Our staff is prepared. Our story is clear and concise. We’re ready to get started,” Maddox added.