Von Dutch brand owners Groupe Royer and its subsidiary Royer Brands International (RBI), advised by Brandthinktank Group, have transferred ownership of the iconic American brand to WSG Brands, a newly formed brand management firm that boasts modern day strategies on licensing, effective June 2024.
“Only WSG Brands had both the cultural understanding of Von Dutch and the ambition and resources mix required to further deploy the brand going forward”, stated Jacques Royer, executive chairman, Groupe Royer.
Olivier Mercier, managing director, RBI Sàrl, added, “We are delighted to see this legendary American name, to which we imbued a touch of French fashion, land in the right hands.”
Marc Benitez, COO, WSG Brands, reportedly brings over 25 years of diverse industry experience after holding influential roles at ABG, CAA-GBG, Kenneth Cole, and Coach. With a proven track record of managing hundreds of millions in royalty revenue, Benitez’s expertise is expected be instrumental in driving Von Dutch’s growth.
Jack Cheika, CEO and founder of WSG Brands, is said to be a seasoned expert in product and branding, retail and licensing, and identifying white space opportunities. The company said Cheika’s deep understanding of the industry and his unique perspective on creating memorable brand identities will be pivotal in Von Dutch’s evolution. WSG Brands specializes in acquiring and managing a diverse portfolio of iconic brands, preserving their legacy while driving innovation, bridging brands to new audiences, and expanding their reach.
“We are excited to channel Von Dutch’s storied legacy, led for several years by Groupe Royer and now by WSG, into innovative designs that resonate with today’s fashion-forward consumers,” commented Benitez and Cheika in a joint statement. “Our vision is to make Von Dutch not just a brand, but a movement that celebrates individuality and bold expression globally.”
Academie NBD LLC/New Castle Brands LLC, a New Jersey-based advisory and consulting firm specializing in brand licensing, development, IP consultation, and acquisitions, together with Brandthinktank, were the co-originators of the Von Dutch transaction between White Space Group and Groupe Royer.
Image courtesy WSG Brands
