OJG has officially been designated as the operating partner for the Lee brand within the United States and Canada. This transition follows the completion of the acquisition of Lee by Authentic Brands Group, a move that is currently projected to reach its final stages in the latter part of 2026. Under the terms of this new agreement, OJG will take over the management of the North American market for the historic denim label.
The company is set to assume full responsibility for apparel operations in these regions, working in close alignment with Authentic to provide consistent service to both retail partners and consumers. This strategic arrangement is intended to harness OJG’s extensive expertise in denim manufacturing, sourcing, and product development to facilitate the continued expansion of the Lee denim brand.
Operational Continuity and Regional Commitment
While OJG takes on these new responsibilities, the Lee denim brand will maintain its primary headquarters in Greensboro, North Carolina. OJG has also expressed its commitment to continuing operations at the Mocksville, North Carolina facility. The company intends to rely on the existing workforce’s specialized knowledge to ensure the brand’s business objectives are met during this transition.
Chris Waldeck, the CEO of OJG, noted that his prior experience leading the brand has provided him with a firsthand understanding of its organizational strength and consumer loyalty. He stated that the immediate priority is to respect the brand’s heritage while supporting the Greensboro and Mocksville teams to build a sustainable foundation for growth through this Lee brand partnership.
Strategic Alignment for Future Expansion
This Lee brand partnership is a key component of the broader strategy utilized by Authentic Brands Group, which involves collaborating with established operators in specific geographic regions and industrial sectors. Authentic has further indicated that it is engaged in ongoing discussions with other potential partners to support the international trajectory of the brand.
Expertise in Distribution and Manufacturing
Jarrod Weber, the global president of sports and lifestyle at Authentic, emphasized that OJG has been a reliable partner for many years, demonstrating a consistent ability to execute complex apparel operations. He highlighted that OJG brings significant category knowledge and established retail relationships to the table. Weber noted that OJG shares a commitment to preserving the brand’s legacy in North Carolina while simultaneously investing in future opportunities. This collaboration is expected to open new avenues for wholesale distribution and denim manufacturing across the North American market. By leveraging OJG’s proven track record in wholesale distribution, both companies aim to unlock the full potential of the brand in the coming years.
