G-III Apparel Group and WHP Global have struck a definitive agreement to jointly purchase the Marc Jacobs brand’s intellectual property from LVMH through a new joint venture.
G-III will acquire and manage the global Marc Jacobs operating business, while WHP Global will manage the licensing operations.
Founded in 1984, Marc Jacobs is renowned for its distinctive blend of high fashion and contemporary design across handbags, small leathergoods, ready-to-wear, footwear and eyewear, plus beauty and fragrance (see panel below).
LVMH acquired a majority stake in Marc Jacobs in 1997. LVMH Chairman and CEO Bernard Arnault stated, “Marc Jacobs is a designer of rare creativity and unique vision. His impact on the world of fashion is undeniable, and I want to warmly thank him for his contribution to the success of the Maison and the LVMH Group over the last 30 years.
“I am confident that this new chapter will offer new avenues of opportunity for Marc Jacobs, that the brand and its designer will continue to inspire customers and creators around the world.”
The brand will become a cornerstone of WHP Global’s premium fashion vertical, joining Vera Wang, rag & bone, and G-STAR, further strengthening the company’s presence across high-growth global fashion categories. With the addition of the Marc Jacobs brand, WHP Global will surpass US$9.5 billion in global retail sales.
Marc Jacobs Beauty and fragrance remain in Coty’s handsThe Marc Jacobs fragrance and beauty licences are held by US company Coty. In August 2023, Marc Jacobs International signed an expanded long-term licence agreement with Coty to bring Marc Jacobs Beauty into its portfolio, alongside the licence for Marc Jacobs fragrances held since 2003. Coty declared at the time that the expanded licence extends for more than 15 years.  Marc Jacobs Beauty launched in 2013, initially in partnership with Kendo Brands. Marc Jacobs’ fragrances have achieved notable success in recent years both domestically and in travel retail, growing to become one of the top ten female fragrances worldwide, driven by the Daisy Marc Jacobs and Perfect Marc Jacobs franchises.
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Following the closing of the transaction, company Founder Marc Jacobs will continue in his role as Founder and Creative Director, ensuring continuity of the brand’s vision, runway collections and fashion shows.
“I am forever grateful to Bernard Arnault for his support, belief and trust in me over the last 30 years,” he said. “It has been an honour and privilege to work alongside the Arnault family and LVMH.
“I remain committed in my role as Creative Director of Marc Jacobs International and look forward to this bright new chapter.”
G-III Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Morris Goldfarb said, “Marc Jacobs is one of the most influential names in fashion. This transaction underscores our long-standing commitment to building a diversified portfolio of iconic, globally relevant brands.
“LVMH has been an exceptional steward of the brand, and we look forward to working with the Marc Jacobs team to build on that strong foundation. With our portfolio of premium brands and backed by our powerful global platform, this opportunity accelerates our transformation efforts and positions us to drive long-term shareholder value.”
G-III will fund its approximately US$500 million investment using cash on hand and borrowings under its revolving credit facility.
G-III Apparel Group, Ltd. is a global fashion leader with expertise in design, sourcing, distribution, and marketing. The company owns or licenses a portfolio of more than 30 renowned brands,
Its owned brands include DKNY, Donna Karan, Karl Lagerfeld, Sonia Rykiel and Vilebrequin. The group licenses more than 20 global fashion labels, including Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Levi’s, Halston, Champion, Converse, Cole Haan, BCBG, French Connection and Starter as well as major sports leagues such as the NFL, NBA, NHL and MLB.
WHP Global owns more than 15 brands with a global presence, generating over US$8.5 billion in retail sales across more than 80 countries. The portfolio includes Vera Wang, G-Star, rag & bone, Joe’s, Ann Klein, Lotte, Joseph Abboud and Toys “R” Us. ✈
