// Authentic Brand Group has snapped up the intellectual property of footwear retailer Hunter
// The Ted Baker owner will outsource the retailer’s designs and operations
Ted Baker owner Authentic Brands Group has acquired the intellectual property of footwear retailer Hunter.
The group confirmed on Friday it had snapped up the brand for an undisclosed sum after moving into pole position as preferred bidder. Sky News previously reported that the deal could value the retailer as much as £100m.
As part of the deal, the group has expanded its partnership with The Batra Group which will become the core licensee of the label in the UK and Europe.
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Batra will be responsible for designing and producing the retailer’s footwear, apparel and accessories, as well as operate its branded retail stores, wholesale distribution and ecommerce in the territories.
Meanwhile, Marc Fisher Footwear will become the core licensee for the brand’s US operations.
Authentic chief executive Jamie Salter said: “We are excited to finalize the acquisition of Hunter, an original footwear and outerwear pioneer.
“At the intersection of fashion and outdoor, Hunter introduces another elevated global brand to Authentic’s diverse Lifestyle portfolio.
“We are also pleased to expand our relationships with two long-standing Authentic partners, Batra Group and Marc Fisher… we will look forward to working with them and our greater partner network to continue growing the Hunter brand.”
Hunter was put up for auction in March after it secured a £7m funding lifeline with existing shareholders injecting £5m into the business and lenders contributing a further £2m.
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