Today, One Jeanswear Group (OJG) expands its presence as it adds the iconic American denim brand Lee® to its portfolio. Through a long-term partnership with Authentic Brands Group (Authentic), OJG will run Lee’s regional daily operations across the US and Canada. The partnership takes effect immediately following Authentic’s completed acquisition of the intellectual property of Lee from Kontoor Brands, Inc. (NYSE: KTB).
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As the new U.S. and Canadian operator of Lee®, One Jeanswear Group is committed to preserving the iconic denim brand’s North Carolina presence, retaining its existing headquarters and team while investing in its rich 130+ year heritage and future growth.
OJG has committed to keeping Lee’s headquarters at Revolution Mills, a historic former textile factory-turned-mixed use property in Greensboro, and maintaining Lee’s primary distribution center in Mocksville, NC. More than 400 people are employed across the two locations.
Known for its category expertise, OJG is quickly becoming one of the most important denim vendors for major retailers in the United States. The apparel company intends to harness those strong relationships as well as its sourcing and wholesale distribution expertise to strengthen Lee’s market position and deliver continued value to consumers and retailers. Chief Executive Officer, Chris Waldeck, previously held the position of Lee’s brand president and EVP; he states that Lee will also elevate OJG’s current portfolio.
“This is an exciting time for the Lee brand, as it will be an integral part of OJG’s overall growth initiative,” said Waldeck. “Lee is one of the best-known denim brands in the world, and its legacy is a strength. The team has industry experience and talent as well as a wealth of institutional knowledge and passion for Lee that can’t be replicated. Keeping the headquarters in North Carolina creates a consistent foundation; together we will build upon that to drive long-term growth.”
“The acquisition of Lee represents an exciting and important milestone for Premier Brands Group Holdings and OJG,” added Morris Tbeilie, chief executive officer and chairman of Premier Brands Group Holdings, of which OJG is a wholly owned subsidiary.
Lee turns 137 in November and is globally known for craftsmanship, strategic innovation and timeless styles. The brand designed some of America’s original denim and workwear, including the Lee Rider™ jacket, Lee 101® jean and Union-Alls™. First worn by those who built America in the ‘20s and ‘30s, these iconic pieces are staples of fashion and culture, as relevant today as they were then.
As this new chapter begins, Lee will continue focusing on its denim icons through its current creative vision and global platform, Built Like Lee. Introduced last year, this platform solidifies Lee’s rightful place as a denim authority, showcasing its commitment to building to a higher standard, and creating a modern approach to attract new generations of consumers.
For more information, please contact: lee@scenariopr.com
ABOUT LEE
Lee® is an iconic American brand that’s been designing to a higher standard for more than 130 years. From its foundation of iconic denim and workwear, Lee has built a global following with products sold in more than 100 countries. The brand’s attention to trend-right and timeless styles and balance between denim and casual apparel appeals to male and female customers. Meanwhile, Lee’s integration in pop culture with global collaborations, expanded lifestyle offerings and ‘Built Like Lee’ platform is attracting a new generation of fans. Owned by Authentic Brands Group, the brand is operated regionally, and in the U.S. and Canada by One Jeanswear Group. For more information, visit www.lee.com.
ABOUT ONE JEANSWEAR GROUP & PREMIER BRANDS GROUP HOLDINGS
One Jeanswear Group (OJG), a subsidiary of Premier Brands Group Holdings, is a leading apparel company with a diverse portfolio of iconic and lifestyle brands and deep expertise in denim. The company offers comprehensive capabilities across design, product development, innovation, technical design, fabric sourcing, merchandising, marketing, and global sourcing and production.
OJG’s brand portfolio includes Gloria Vanderbilt, Jessica Simpson(L), Vintage America, Sofia Vergara(L), and Nine West Jeans(L). The company partners with leading retailers across department stores, mass retail, club, and e-commerce channels, delivering innovative, consumer-focused products to market. For more information, visit www.ojg.com. Media Contact: hcaldwell@ojg.com
Premier Brands Group Holdings is a diversified apparel company specializing in the design, development, sourcing, and distribution of men’s and women’s apparel and accessories. Its portfolio spans jeanswear, sportswear, sweaters, dresses, career apparel, and accessories.
The company’s owned brands include Gloria Vanderbilt, Kasper, and Napier, alongside licensed brands such as Anne Klein, Jones New York, Jessica Simpson, and Nine West. Premier Brands Group serves a broad network of leading retailers across department stores, specialty stores, mass retail, and e-commerce channels, primarily in the United States and Canada.
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