Authentic Brands Group acquires Hunter Boots intellectual property

First published on

A spokesperson for Authentic Brands said it was too soon to say if the deal would involve leadership changes at Hunter as it transitions into a licensing model through Authentic Brands’ platform.

Authentic Brands, a company known to buy struggling businesses, has been focused on diversifying its portfolio outside of the U.S. It plans to expand the Hunter brand in Canada, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and other markets across the Asia-Pacific region. The company said it would announce additional brand partners in the coming months.

Authentic Brands’ longstanding partnerships with both Batra and Marc Fisher include a 2019 licensing deal with Batra to manage Juicy Couture's European design, manufacturing and distribution, and a 2015 deal with Marc Fisher to handle the global business for Tretorn.

Beyond the brand's well-known Wellington rubber boot, 160-year-old Hunter sells men's, women's and children's waterproof and weatherproof footwear, outerwear, bags and accessories.

Authentic Brands owns a portfolio of 50 brands including Eddie Bauer, Frye, Reebok and Nautica.