US-based Authentic Brands Group has signed a definitive agreement to acquire a controlling ownership interest in substantially all of the intellectual property (IP) of the global lifestyle brand Guess?
With $6bn in global retail-equivalent sales, Guess? is set to become Authentic's second-largest brand. The acquisition will raise Authentic's total annual retail sales to $38bn worldwide.
Authentic will own a 51% stake in a newly established entity that will own and license substantially all of Guess?'s IP.
It will also assume the huge majority of Guess?’s product licensing agreements
The remaining 49% will be owned by Guess? co-founders and CEO.
The deal will see Guess? shareholders receive $16.75 per share and values Guess? at $1.4bn including debt.
The acquisition will close in the fourth quarter of Guess?’s fiscal year 2026, after receipt of regulatory approvals and meeting other closing conditions.
Upon completion, Guess?’s operating entity and its subsidiaries will become private and be completely owned by the present management team.
The operating company will continue to be managed under the existing leadership and structure.
Guess? co-founder and chief creative officer Paul Marciano stated: “Guess? has always worked to create a strong network of licensing partners, and joining forces with Authentic – the world’s second largest licensor with a powerful lifestyle and entertainment platform – will enable us to build on this foundation and expand our reach as a global lifestyle brand.”
Authentic aims to expand Guess? into new markets and product categories, capitalising on its European presence and established retail network.
Guess? operates in 100 countries with 1,600 stores, more than 1,000 of which are directly managed.
Authentic president Matt Maddox stated: “Guess?’s international scale and market strength create a runway to accelerate Authentic's growth around the world.
“This acquisition expands our presence in existing markets, opens doors to new ones and builds on a brand platform with a proven record of success.”
In April 2025, Guess? disclosed plans to streamline operations and optimise its portfolios in China and North America.
