Guess has partnered with Authentic Brands Group to go private in a deal that values the apparel company at approximately $1.4 billion. As part of the transaction, Authentic will acquire a 51 per cent stake in ‘substantially all’ of Guess' intellectual property (IP). A group of ‘rolling stockholders,’ including Maurice and Paul Marciano, Co-founders and Carlos Alberini, CEO will own the remaining 49 per cent of the IP. The current Guess management team will continue to run the business, holding 100 per cent ownership of the operating company.
Under the agreement, remaining Guess shareholders will receive $16.76 per share in cash. This is a higher valuation than the $13 per share non-binding offer made by WHP Global in March 2025.
As a powerhouse brand, Guess has defined style and culture for over 40 years, says Jamie Salter, Founder, Chairman, and CEO, Authentic Brands Group. The brand has tremendous respect for the Marcianos and their team and aims to build on this legacy in partnership with them as Guess enters its next chapter within our platform.
Authentic Brands Group has a vast portfolio of over 50 global brands, including major surf brands like Quiksilver, Billabong, and Volcom, which collectively generate around $32 billion in annual retail revenues.
Paul Marciano, Co-founder and Chief Creative Officer, notes, joining forces with Authentic which is the world’s second-largest licensor will enable the brand to build on this foundation and expand reach as a global lifestyle brand.
Currently, Guess operates nearly 1,100 stores in Europe, the Americas, and Asia, with an additional 527 stores run by partners and distributors worldwide.
According to Carlos Alberini, CEO operating as a private company will give Guess enhanced flexibility to navigate today’s complex operating environment and execute on a more targeted, long-term strategy, enabling us to even better serve customers around the world.
