U.S. clothing brand Lands’ End has reached an agreement to sell a 29.06% stake to WHP Global for $300 million, transitioning to a licensing-oriented growth model in the process.
Under this arrangement, Lands’ End will transfer all intellectual property and related assets associated with the brand, including existing licensing agreements, into a new joint entity.
WHP Global’s investment of $300 million will grant it a controlling 50% stake, establishing equal ownership between the two companies upon the deal’s finalization.
Lands’ End indicated that this arrangement would allow it to fully repay its existing term loan, which totaled around $234 million as of January 26, 2026. The remaining funds will be allocated for general corporate purposes.
While the joint venture will oversee the global licensing strategy and expansion of the brand, Lands’ End will retain full operational control over its direct-to-consumer and B2B activities.
WHP Global brings a robust platform that spans more than 80 countries and generates over $8 billion in retail sales, expected to enhance category expansion, partner selection, and long-term royalty growth for the Lands’ End brand. Both companies assured stakeholders that current products, customer relationships, channels, and brand presentation would stay unchanged.
Additionally, a subsidiary of Lands’ End will enter into a long-term licensing agreement with the joint venture, allowing for continued use of the brand’s intellectual property in return for royalty payments, beginning with guaranteed minimum royalties of $50 million in the first year.
In specific WHP Global monetization scenarios, such as a public offering or majority sale, Lands’ End may have the option—or sometimes the obligation—to exchange its joint venture interest for equity in WHP Global at the same valuation multiple.
Separately, WHP Global plans to initiate a tender offer for as much as $100 million of Lands’ End shares at a price of $45 per share, subject to adjustments and the completion of the intellectual property transaction. Following the offer, WHP Global is expected to hold up to 7% of the total outstanding shares of Lands’ End.
Yehuda Shmidman, founder, chairman, and CEO of WHP Global, stated, “We see a significant opportunity to expand the reach of the Lands’ End brand both in the US and globally by leveraging WHP Global’s platform—which today spans 80+ countries, 225+ license partners, and, post-close, a portfolio generating more than $8 billion in global retail sales. We look forward to partnering with the Lands’ End team to unlock the brand’s next chapter of growth.”
