LA Group announced it has signed a distribution deal with Authentic Brands Group, which owns brands including Ted Baker, Nine West, Sports Illustrated and Reebok, to distribute wide-ranging apparels for men, women and kids for the leading portfolio of surf inspired lifestyle brands including Quiksilver, Billabong, Roxy, RVCA, DC Shoes, Element, and VonZipper across Southern Africa.
The deal covers South Africa as well as Angola, Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, and Zambia among others.
Leveraging their expertise in brand management, distribution and retail, the LA Group, a South African company which distributes several global brands in sub-Saharan Africa, including Converse, Nike, Levi’s, Dickies and Jordan , takes on the operation of more than 32 freestanding retail stores in the region bearing the names of these globally renowned brands.
“We are thrilled to partner with Authentic and work together to build upon the strong foundation of these amazing lifestyle brands. Quiksilver, Billabong, RVCA and Roxy have been at the forefront of the action sports and lifestyle industry for decades and we feel there is tremendous runway for growth,” said Riyadh Peer, Executive Director at LA Group. “LA Group are leaders in brand management, distribution and retail and we are strategically positioned to operate and grow these brands by offering great products while enhancing the consumer experience.”
“For nearly three decades these iconic brands have resonated across consumer segments in this important market. We are proud to partner with LA Group on this storied brand portfolio which uniquely embody a surf inspired lifestyle,” said Henry Stupp, President EMEA and India, Authentic. “Igniting the brands in South Africa is a key focus for Authentic and we are confident that LA Group will strategically position them for growth.”
The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2024.
