Marquee Brands Acquires Laura Ashley

Marquee Brands, a US-based brand development company, has acquired the iconic British lifestyle brand Laura Ashley from Gordon Brothers for an undisclosed sum. This strategic acquisition enhances Marquee's retail portfolio value to over $4 billion and marks the company's first European headquarters in London, while retaining Laura Ashley's UK-based team. Established in 1953, Laura Ashley is known for its floral aesthetics and vintage-inspired designs, distributing products in over 80 countries. Marquee Brands plans to leverage its global network to expand Laura Ashley’s market presence, focusing on new product innovation and strategic collaborations. The acquisition follows a successful revitalization of Laura Ashley post-insolvency, which included expanding its global e-commerce presence. CEO Heath Golden expressed excitement about harnessing Laura Ashley's legacy to engage with multi-generational audiences in key markets worldwide.