Authentic Brands Group (Authentic), a global brand development, marketing and entertainment platform, today announced a new long-term partnership with One Jeanswear Group (OJG), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Premier Brands Group Holdings, for Lee® in the United States and Canada. The partnership will take effect following the closing of Authentic’s previously announced acquisition of Lee, which is expected to close in the second half of 2026.
OJG will serve as the operating partner for Lee across the U.S. and Canada, leveraging its deep expertise in denim, sourcing, product development and wholesale distribution to drive the next chapter of growth for the iconic denim brand.
As part of the partnership, OJG will take on the Lee U.S. and Canada operating business and work closely with Authentic to continue serving consumers and retail partners across the region. Lee’s operations will remain headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina. OJG also plans to maintain operations at the brand’s Mocksville, North Carolina facility and continue leveraging the expertise of the existing team to support the business.
“Having previously led Lee, I know firsthand the strength of this brand, the passion of its team and the loyalty of its consumers,” said Chris Waldeck, Chief Executive Officer of One Jeanswear Group. “Our priority is to build on the brand’s rich heritage, support the talented team in Greensboro and Mocksville, and create a foundation for long-term growth.”
Morris Tbeile, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Premier Brands Group Holdings, said “We look forward to investing in the business and working alongside Authentic to expand Lee’s presence and impact across the market. This partnership marks an exciting new chapter as we continue to grow our brand portfolio with Authentic.”
“Lee is one of the most recognizable names in denim, with an unmatched heritage and tremendous opportunity for future growth,” said Jarrod Weber, Global President, Sports and Lifestyle at Authentic. “One Jeanswear Group has been a trusted partner of Authentic for many years, and we have seen firsthand their ability to execute at the highest level. They bring deep category expertise, strong retail relationships and a proven track record of growing iconic brands. Just as importantly, they share our commitment to preserving Lee’s legacy in Greensboro while investing in the brand’s future. We are pleased to partner with Chris and the OJG team as we unlock new opportunities for Lee across the U.S. and Canada.”
Lee has built a reputation for quality craftsmanship, innovation and authentic style. Through this partnership, Authentic and OJG will focus on strengthening the brand’s market position, expanding product opportunities and delivering continued value to consumers and retail partners.The partnership reflects Authentic’s broader strategy to align with best-in-class operators across key markets and categories. Authentic continues to advance discussions with additional regional partners to support Lee’s growth around the world.
About Authentic Brands Group
Authentic Brands Group (Authentic) is a leading sports, media, entertainment and lifestyle platform. As the owner of some of the most iconic and beloved intellectual property in the world, Authentic acquires and invests in brands to create long-term value for all of its stakeholders.
A digital-first, asset-light platform, Authentic sits at the intersection of culture, commerce and technology. It brings brands to life and cultivates fandom through powerful storytelling, premium content and unforgettable live experiences. Together with more than 1,700 best-in-class licensing partners across 150 countries and an expansive distribution network, Authentic’s brands drive more than $36 billion in annual systemwide retail sales worldwide.
Authentic’s diversified portfolio spans more than 50 brands and reaches nearly one billion social media followers. Its roster includes Reebok, Champion, Shaquille O’Neal, David Beckham, Kevin Hart, Sports Illustrated, Elvis Presley, Muhammad Ali, Marilyn Monroe, GUESS, Aéropostale, Nautica, Eddie Bauer, Lucky Brand, Nine West, Brooks Brothers, Juicy Couture, Vince Camuto, Izod, Van Heusen, Dockers, Ted Baker, Hart Schaffner Marx, Vince, Barneys New York, Judith Leiber, Quiksilver, Spyder, Billabong, Volcom, Roxy, RVCA, DC Shoes, Prince, Sperry and Hunter.
For more information, visit corporate.authentic.com. Follow Authentic on LinkedIn, Instagram and WeChat.
About One Jeanswear Group
One Jeanswear Group is a leading global fashion apparel company operating a diverse portfolio of brands and is recognized as an expert in the denim category. One Jeanswear Group oversees design, product development and innovation, technical support, fabric procurement, marketing, merchandising and global sourcing. One Jeanswear Group’s branded portfolio includes its owned brands, Gloria Vanderbilt and Vintage America, as well as licensed brands, Jessica Simpson, Nine West Jeans, Sofia Jeans by Sofia Vergara, and Lucky Brands.
One Jeanswear Group products are sold through multiple channels of distribution, including department stores, mass retailers, and their e-commerce platforms. www.ojg.com
About Premier Brands Group Holdings
Premier Brands Group Holdings is the parent company of One Jeanswear Group, Kasper Group, and The Jewelry Group. Through its subsidiaries, Premier Brands Group Holdings designs, manufactures, and sells a diverse range of men’s and women’s apparel and jewelry, including jeanswear, sportswear, sweaters, dresses, professional wear, and accessories. The company sells its products under its wholly owned brands, Gloria Vanderbilt, Kasper, and Napier, as well as its licensed brands, which include Anne Klein, Jones New York, Jessica Simpson, Kenneth Cole, and Nine West. The Company sells its products globally through a broad array of distribution channels, including better specialty stores, department stores, and mass merchandisers.
About Lee
Founded in 1889, Lee is one of the world’s most iconic denim and casual apparel brands. Known for its heritage craftsmanship, innovation and timeless style, Lee has shaped generations of culture and self-expression through authentic American design.
