Authentic Brands Group Successfully Acquires Boardriders
The long-anticipated acquisition is now a reality as Authentic Brands Group, a dominant force in the industry, has officially completed its purchase of Boardriders. Despite a minor delay, this acquisition was formally announced on September 1.
Boardriders, the illustrious surf sports company, featuring iconic brands like Quiksilver, Billabong, Rvca, Element, DC Shoes, VonZipper, and the Honolua Surf label, has seamlessly joined Authentic Brands Group’s extensive portfolio. Spearheaded by Canadian billionaire Jamie Salter, this group was already home to Vision Streetwear, Airwalk, and Volcom.
This acquisition marks a significant milestone, catapulting Authentic Brands Group’s global annual retail sales to an astonishing $29 billion. Notably, the company wasted no time in revealing its intention to implement its proven brand development and value creation program. Stay tuned for forthcoming announcements regarding top-tier partners worldwide who will play a pivotal role in propelling these iconic brands to new heights.
Interestingly, reports from the American trade press suggest that the teams responsible for Volcom’s distribution and development may also take on stewardship of several Boardriders brands in North America.
Authentic Brands Group follows a distinctive approach, granting production and distribution licenses to partners across different territories to foster brand growth. While the American operation’s path forward appears clear, the European operation remains shrouded in intrigue. The question persists: Who will be the chosen partners for Europe, and what lies ahead for the dedicated teams at the European headquarters in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, nestled in the captivating French Basque Country? Only time will unveil these compelling prospects.
