Split for Hunter’s operations as sale concludes
US-based development and marketing platform Authentic Brands Group has bought the intellectual property of UK footwear brand Hunter.
The 160-plus-year company has evolved from a Wellington boot maker to a “lifestyle brand”, offering outerwear, bags and accessories.
Authentic has chosen Marc Fisher Footwear as the core footwear partner for Hunter in the US, taking on the brand’s footwear design, wholesale and e-commerce operations.
The Batra Group will become the core licensee in the UK and Europe. Batra will be responsible for designing and developing Hunter footwear, apparel and accessories and operating Hunter’s branded retail stores, wholesale distribution and e-commerce in those territories.
Jamie Salter, CEO of Authentic, said: “We are excited to finalise the acquisition of Hunter.
“We are also pleased to expand our relationships with two long-standing Authentic partners, Batra Group and Marc Fisher, each of whom has a proven track record of unparalleled expertise in product development across a range of categories and an established network of prominent retailers.”
Hunter was rescued in 2020 with an injection of £18.5 million, with shareholder Pall Mall Legacy, a Goldman Sachs-backed investment vehicle, taking the majority of its shares. At the time, sales were affected by the pandemic, with festivals and outdoor events cancelled.
Authentic’s brand portfolio includes Reebok, Brooks Brothers, Ted Baker, Vince Camuto, Volcom and Airwalk.
