Marquee Brands Acquires British Heritage Label, Laura Ashley in Multi-Billion Portfolio Expansion

By The Malketeer

Plans for Significant Global Expansion across North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific, and EMEA Regions

The iconic British fashion and home furnishings brand Laura Ashley is set for a major global expansion following its acquisition by American holding company Marquee Brands from Gordon Brothers, marking a new chapter in the storied brand’s 70-year history.

Strategic Integration and Market Expansion

The acquisition, which pushes Marquee Brands’ portfolio retail value beyond the US$4 billion mark, sees the company retaining Laura Ashley’s UK-based team and establishing its first European headquarters in London.

This move signals a strong commitment to preserving the brand’s British heritage while pursuing ambitious international growth.

Licensed Business Model to Drive Growth

Marquee Brands’ strategy centres on implementing a fully licensed operating model for Laura Ashley across key markets including the US, UK, Japan, and South Korea.

The company has outlined plans for significant expansion across North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific, and EMEA regions, leveraging the brand’s established reputation for distinctive designs and quality products.

Leadership Vision for Brand Evolution

Heath Golden, CEO of Marquee Brands, highlighted on the strategic fit of Laura Ashley within their portfolio: “Laura Ashley’s licensed business model and robust group of high-quality partners makes the brand a seamless addition to Marquee Brands. We are excited to harness the strong affinity for this iconic brand and drive expansion across new platforms and partnerships.”

From Insolvency to Innovation

The acquisition represents a significant milestone in Laura Ashley’s journey since its 2020 insolvency.

Under Gordon Brothers’ stewardship, the brand has successfully transformed into a flexible, scalable licensing business with a strong global e-commerce presence.

Tobias Nanda, Head of Brands at Gordon Brothers, expressed pride in the brand’s growth under their ownership and confidence in its future under Marquee Brands.

Multi-Generational Appeal and Future Prospects

Looking ahead, Marquee Brands plans to leverage Laura Ashley’s seven-decade legacy while innovating new products and categories.

The strategy includes unique collaborations aimed at engaging multi-generational audiences across key global markets, suggesting a careful balance between heritage preservation and contemporary relevance.