By Gary Symons
TLL Editor in Chief
The global brand accelerator Marquee Brands has just acquired the British heritage lifestyle brand Laura Ashley.
The Laura Ashley brand has built its business and reputation through licensing its quintessentially English designs in a wide range of products.
Marquee says this strategic move, facilitated by Gordon Brothers, enhances Marquee Brands’ global footprint and adds a renowned name to its portfolio of fashion, home, and lifestyle brands.
Founded in 1953, Laura Ashley has built a legacy of timeless design, featuring delicate florals, vintage-inspired patterns, and exceptional craftsmanship across hundreds of product categories. The brand’s operations span more than 80 countries and include leading wholesalers, digital marketplaces, and over 150 branded retail locations.
The acquisition bolsters Marquee Brands’ retail value, pushing its global portfolio to over $4 billion.
The deal includes the retention of Laura Ashley’s UK-based team and the establishment of Marquee Brands’ first European headquarters in London.
Heath Golden, CEO of Marquee Brands, said in a written statement that the acquisition gives both company’s the potential for more rapid growth.
“Laura Ashley’s licensed business model and robust group of high-quality partners make the brand a seamless addition to Marquee Brands,” he said. “We are excited to harness the strong affinity for this iconic brand and drive expansion across new platforms and partnerships.”
The acquisition also marks a significant milestone for Laura Ashley, which Gordon Brothers acquired out of insolvency in 2020. Over the past four years, Gordon Brothers transformed Laura Ashley into a scalable licensing business with a robust global e-commerce presence. Tobias Nanda, Head of Brands at Gordon Brothers, highlighted the brand’s growth under Carolyn D’Angelo’s leadership, noting that it is “in the right hands for continued global growth under Marquee Brands’ leadership.”
Laura Ashley now operates in more than 200 lifestyle categories, supported by a network of over 100 licensed partners. Its products are available at thousands of retail points globally. By integrating Laura Ashley into its portfolio, Marquee Brands says it plans to deepen the brand’s presence in key markets, including North America, Asia Pacific, EMEA, and Latin America.
Marquee Brands, established in 2014 by Neuberger Berman, specializes in licensing, marketing, and media for a diverse range of globally recognized brands.
Its portfolio spans three verticals: Home & Culinary, Fashion & Lifestyle, and Active & Outdoor. Popular brands under its umbrella include Martha Stewart, Sur La Table, BCBG, and Body Glove. The addition of Laura Ashley strengthens its position as a leader in the lifestyle brand market.
Gordon Brothers, the global asset management firm facilitating the transaction, has a long history of providing liquidity and revitalizing businesses. Headquartered in Boston, the firm operates across North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific, offering expertise in retail, commercial, industrial, brands, and real estate.
Laura Ashley and Gecko Jewellery Partner for Heritage Collection