Authentic Brands Group Completes Lee Acquisition

The companies announced the completion on November 3, 2026. Kontoor’s regulatory filing identifies November 2 as the closing date, following a purchase agreement signed on May 20. The agreement set a $750 million cash purchase price, subject to adjustments.

Kontoor reported receiving approximately $698.2 million after those adjustments. It can also receive up to $250 million in contingent payments tied to Lee’s performance over a five-year period. Those potential payments are separate from the cash received at closing.

Authentic has already assembled apparel partners for several major markets. One Jeanswear Group will cover the U.S. and Canada, Experience Group will cover Europe, HiMaxx will serve mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao, and Union Group will cover Mexico.

The company expects further licensees to help develop activewear, workwear and other lifestyle categories. Those plans describe the next stage of the business rather than confirmed product launch dates…