Centric Brands, holding licenses for more than 100 brands, has acquired specific assets from Fownes Brothers & Co., a company specializing in licensed and private label cold-weather accessories, for an undisclosed amount.
Centric Brands has successfully completed the acquisition of Fownes Brothers, encompassing operations, assets, and intellectual property related to the design, development, sourcing, production, sales, and distribution of cold-weather accessory lines.
This strategic acquisition will enable Centric Brands to acquire vital licenses, including prominent names such as Ugg, Timberland, and Cole Haan, in addition to private label manufacturing arrangements with The North Face and lululemon.
Jason Rabin, CEO of Centric Brands, remarked, “We are excited to welcome Andrew and the Fownes Brothers legacy into Centric Brands. Our growth strategy is built upon developing powerful, scalable brands across key categories, and this acquisition meaningfully advances that approach.”
Rabin further noted that integrating the Fownes Brothers business into their accessories platform will enhance capabilities, promote scalability, and ensure sustained, profitable growth.
As part of this arrangement, Andrew Gluckman will take on the role of senior vice president and division head for Cold Weather within Centric Brands. He will be responsible for managing the newly acquired licenses and fostering the broader division’s expansion.
This acquisition aligns perfectly with Centric Brands’ overarching strategy to expand through partnerships and acquisitions, particularly those facilitated through Centric Ventures, aimed at enhancing product offerings across various lifestyle categories.
Jarrod Kahn, president of the accessories group at Centric Brands, stated, “By integrating these world-class licenses and private label relationships into our portfolio — and with Gluckman’s leadership — we are well-positioned to expand our accessories business and deliver innovative, high-quality products to consumers across all retail channels.”
With origins dating back to 1777 in Worcester, England, Fownes Brothers started as a leather glove manufacturer and has since been run by Tom Gluckman and his family, serving as an importer and distributor of licensed and private label cold-weather accessories. The Centric Brands acquisition of Fownes Brothers marks a significant step toward further enhancing their market presence and capabilities.