Latham & Watkins Advises Authentic in US$1.4 Billion Acquisition of a Majority Stake in Guess?, Inc.’s Intellectual Property

Authentic Brands Group (Authentic), a global brand development and licensing platform, has announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire a controlling ownership interest in the intellectual property of Guess?. Under the transaction structure, Authentic will own a 51% stake in a newly formed entity that will own and license the Guess? intellectual property and assume all existing licensing agreements. The remaining 49% of this entity will be owned by Founder Maurice Marciano, Founder and Chief Creative Officer Paul Marciano, Chief New Business Development Officer Nicolai Marciano, and CEO Carlos Alberini.

Latham & Watkins LLP represents Authentic Brands Group in the transaction with a corporate team led by New York partners Michael Anastasio, Ian Nussbaum, Michael Vardanian, and Matthew Villar. Advice was also provided on tax matters by Chicago partner Joseph Kronsnoble, with associate Michael Zucker.