Authentic Brands Group reported that The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware approved the sale transaction of Rockport. Authentic also signed a long-term licensing agreement for Rockport with Marc Fisher Footwear.

Jamie Salter, founder, chairman and CEO of Authentic, said, “Rockport’s core consumer is more active than ever. The brand’s offering is a perfect addition to our portfolio with opportunities for category expansion into apparel, accessories, outerwear, travel and more.” Salter added, “There is a significant addressable market, presenting opportunities for the brand to evolve into a full lifestyle offering with a focus on innovation and comfort.”

Authentic also signed a long-term licensing agreement with Marc Fisher Footwear, the fashion footwear company and the U.S. footwear partner for Authentic-owned Nine West, Hunter Boots and Bandolino. Marc Fisher will become the core footwear partner for Rockport in the U.S., including the brand’s footwear design, wholesale and e-commerce operations in the U.S.

“We are excited to partner with Authentic on Rockport, a brand with great consumer equity,” said Marc Fisher, CEO of Marc Fisher Footwear. “Rockport’s strong connection to its core consumer presents compelling growth opportunities within the men’s footwear market, and we look forward to continuing to build upon its foundation with Authentic.”

Rockport’s footwear is in various retail channels in more than 60 countries worldwide. Authentic is expected to announce additional partners and will leverage its proprietary platform, expertise and global network to expand the brand across categories and territories.

Following next month’s closing of Rockport and Boardriders, Authentic’s reported its portfolio would generate more than $29B in annual retail sales worldwide.

Authentic owns a portfolio of over 40 lifestyle, entertainment and media brands, including Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, Muhammad Ali, Shaquille O’Neal, David Beckham, Dr. J, Greg Norman, Neil Lane, Thalia, Sports Illustrated, Reebok, Brooks Brothers, Barneys New York, Judith Leiber, Ted Baker, Hunter, Vince, Hervé Léger, Hickey Freeman, Frye, Nautica, Juicy Couture, Vince Camuto, Lucky Brand, Aéropostale, Forever 21, Nine West, Eddie Bauer, Spyder, Volcom, Shark, Tretorn, Prince, Airwalk, Izod, Jones New York, Van Heusen, Hart Schaffner Marx, Arrow, and Thomasville.

Photo courtesy Rockport