ABG Executives Make Their First Public Appearance in China, Explaining Their Business Model and Brand Matrix

4月 29, 2024

In mid-April, the American Brand Management Company Authentic Brands Group (hereinafter referred to as ABG) held its first media day in China in Shanghai, showcasing its business model and iconic brand matrix.

As a global owner and licensor of consumer brands, ABG’s core business includes acquiring and reshaping iconic brands worldwide, integrating mergers and acquisitions, brand strategy, creativity, and digital innovation to empower its brands. Additionally, ABG is the largest global brand licensing group in the sports and entertainment sector.

At the event, the executive team of ABG introduced the brands under its umbrella to the media, including Reebok, Nautica, and Brooks Brothers, which have been deeply cultivated in the Chinese market for many years, as well as newer brands like Hunter, Quiksilver, Eddie Bauer, and DC Shoes. At the same time, the group also introduced its entertainment platform’s diverse creative content to the media.

Jarrod Weber, Lifestyle President & Chief Brand Officer of ABG (left), and Josh Perlman, Executive Vice President for Greater China (right)

Since its establishment in 2010, ABG has become a leading global brand management platform. In recent years, the group has accelerated its development through strategic partnerships with David Beckham, jointly owning and managing his namesake personal brand; completing the acquisition of the sports brand Reebok, which is currently the group’s largest acquisition; acquiring the British lifestyle brand Hunter to strengthen the group’s performance in Europe and the UK; and acquiring the Boardriders brands, including globally renowned outdoor sports brands such as Quiksilver, Billabong, Roxy, RVCA, DC Shoes, Element, and more.

ABG is supported globally by a group of renowned private equity and capital management companies, including BlackRock LTPC, CVC, General Atlantic, Temasek, Qatar Investment Authority, with shareholders including David Beckham and Shaquille O’Neal.

Jarrod Weber, Lifestyle President & Chief Brand Officer of ABG, stated that the Asia-Pacific region has always been a crucial pillar of ABG’s global strategy, and in recent years, the group has achieved significant accomplishments in the Chinese market. ABG has a strong network of licensing partners in China, composed of top industry brand operators, allowing the group to deeply integrate brand development with local market and cultural trends.

“We adhere to the philosophy of ‘global vision, deep local cultivation,’ combining our professional brand management capabilities with our partners’ understanding of local markets and cultural trends, enhancing brand positioning in markets like China with great growth potential. We are committed to extending our brands strategically in categories and regions, while remaining true to our brand philosophies and lifecycles.”

Top executives of ABG Group, Jarrod Weber (first from left), Josh Perlman (third from left), and Shen Jun, Senior Vice President of Business Development for Greater China (first from right)

ABG’s brand business spans over 150 countries globally, with more than 13,300 independent stores and store-in-stores, and 400,000 sales points. The group’s global annual retail total reaches $29 billion USD.