Ames Watson confirmed it will oversee the management of Champion’s long-standing U.S. collegiate apparel and teamwear business following its sale to Authentic Brands Group (Authentic).
As reported by SGB Media, Authentic announced that Ames Watson would manage and operate Champion’s U.S. collegiate apparel and teamwear businesses with Fanatics as an investor when it outlined Champion’s initial licensing partners.
Authentic completed the $1.2 billion acquisition of the Champion brand on September 30, 2024.
Ames Watson will oversee Champion’s collegiate apparel business through GearCo, which is managed and operated by Ames Watson.
The teamwear division also includes Gear for Sports, Knights Apparel and Champion Teamwear, which Ames Watson reported will integrate into its operational framework.
Ames Watson said the acquisition “marks a key strategic milestone as it continues to grow its portfolio and extend its expertise in the apparel and retail sectors,” including operating Lids and Fan Outfitters.
Ames Watson owns or invests in brands, including Lids, LidsU, South Moon Under, Mitchell & Ness, Ebbets Field Flannels, Zygo, Hungry, and Margaux.
“This acquisition is a perfect fit for Ames Watson. We are excited to partner with Authentic Brands Group to continue Champion’s incredible legacy, particularly in the collegiate and teamwear markets where we have extensive expertise,” said Tom Ripley, partner and co-founder at Ames Watson. “We look forward to leveraging our strengths in apparel, retail, and operations to drive the next phase of growth for Champion.”
“We are proud to take on this exciting challenge and look forward to further elevating Champion’s presence in collegiate and teamwear,” said Lawrence Berger, partner and co-founder at Ames Watson. “Our goal is to honor Champion’s past while unlocking new opportunities for growth and innovation.”
Image courtesy Champion
