AUTHENTIC ENTERS DEFINITIVE AGREEMENT TO ACQUIRE AMERICAN HERITAGE BRAND DOCKERS
Authentic taps longtime partner Centric Brands as Dockers’ operating partner across key lifestyle and performance categories in the US and Canada
May 20, 2025
[New York, NY] – [May 20th 2025] – Authentic Brands Group (Authentic), a global brand development and licensing platform, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Dockers, the American brand renowned for bringing casualwear into the mainstream. This acquisition aligns with Authentic’s strategy to grow its portfolio through brands with strong heritage, loyal consumers and global recognition.
Dockers has been a staple in American wardrobes since 1986, known for making khakis and chinos synonymous with everyday style. From iconic campaigns to memorable moments in pop culture, the brand defined an era of casual style and continues to resonate with consumers around the world.
“Dockers is a natural fit for the Authentic model,” said Jamie Salter, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Authentic. “It’s a brand with deep roots, high awareness and a solid foundation in licensing – all things we look for when acquiring new brands. Dockers played a key role in shaping casual workwear as we know it today and we see significant potential to build on that legacy and grow the brand across a variety of categories.”
Coinciding with the transaction, Authentic has signed a licensing agreement with its long-standing partner Centric Brands, which will serve as the operating partner for Dockers across key categories in the US and Canada. Centric will take on sportswear, activewear, kids apparel, dress shirts, workwear and performance golf, reinforcing Dockers’ positioning across both lifestyle and functional segments.
Jason Rabin, CEO of Centric Brands, said, “We are excited to expand our partnership with Authentic and welcome Dockers to our portfolio of world-class lifestyle brands. Having worked together to scale brands like Nautica, Izod, and Hunter, we’re bringing proven expertise to elevate the iconic Dockers legacy. By combining our design resources, strategic sourcing capabilities, and wholesale distribution network with Dockers’ proven quality and innovation, we’re positioned to write a powerful new chapter for the brand.”
In line with its proven playbook, Authentic plans to unlock new opportunities for Dockers through its global network of more than 1,700 licensing partners, with a focus on innovation, omnichannel expansion and international growth. The company is in active discussions with regional operators in LATAM, EMEA and SE Asia to transition and scale Dockers’ existing businesses across those markets.
“Few brands own a category the way Dockers does, yet still have so much room to grow,” said John McNamara, Chief Strategy Officer at Authentic. “Its legacy in casualwear gives it a strong foundation, but the real opportunity lies in reimagining the brand for a new generation. We see clear pathways to expand across regions, channels, and adjacent categories, while amplifying the attributes that make Dockers iconic. Through our global platform and deep licensing network, we’re committed to elevating the brand into its next era of growth and relevance.”
The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to be completed in Q3.
Read the full release here.
